Effect of Jantar-Mantar protest! Order to close all shops-offices in Connaught Place till 6:30 p.m

Effect of Jantar-Mantar protest! Order to close all shops-offices in Connaught Place till 6:30 pm today
Amid the ongoing CJP protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, a major decision has been taken regarding security in Central Delhi’s Connaught Place area. The New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA) has directed all shops, offices, restaurants and other establishments to close on July 23, 2026 by 6:30 pm. The decision has been taken keeping in mind the telephonic instructions received from the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and the critical situation in the area, it said.

Notice to traders in view of ‘serious situation’
In an advisory issued by the NDTA, all establishment owners and residents have been appealed to strictly follow the instructions. According to the association, this decision has been taken keeping in mind the possibility of overcrowding in and around Connaught Place and the possible undesirable situation. The purpose of closing the shops early is to ensure public safety and avoid damage to property or any incident of injury, it said.

Security tightened after violence in Connaught Place
A tense situation erupted near Tolstoy Marg in Connaught Place on Wednesday evening. According to reports, some miscreants pelted stones and bottles at the police personnel. ACP (Connaught Place) Vivek Bhagat was injured in the incident and admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital for treatment. Following the incident, security has been tightened in the area and traders have been advised to be cautious.

Political allegation-counter-attack also intensified amid CJP’s protests
The advisory comes at a time when the CJP is staging protests demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy. Security forces have been beefed up in view of the presence of protesters at Jantar-Mantar and other areas in central Delhi. Aam Aadmi Party National Coordinator Arvind Kejriwal has also questioned the central government on this issue.

Kejriwal said- ‘Will the government attack the students again?’
Arvind Kejriwal posted on social media platform X, questioning the order to close shops early and tight security in Connaught Place. He has questioned the government’s action, claiming long queues of ambulances in the area. On the other hand, the authorities have said that precautionary measures have been taken keeping in mind the safety of traders and citizens in Connaught Place. Now security agencies and local administration are continuously monitoring the situation to ensure that the situation remains normal in the entire area.