The Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) has expressed objection to the new SOP draft being prepared for the protest and rally at Ramlila Maidan. The organization has demanded from Delhi Police that before finalizing the SOP, discussions should be held with the traders of 20 markets around Ramlila Maidan. Keeping in mind the interests of traders, CTI has demanded to include six important provisions in the SOP.
Tezzbuzz Desk – CTI has raised questions on the new SOP draft being prepared by Delhi Police for organizing protests, rallies and public meetings at Ramlila Maidan. CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal has written a letter to the Delhi Police Commissioner demanding that before finalizing the SOP, a joint meeting should be held with representatives of CTI and trader organizations of 20 nearby markets. The organization says that the rally and demonstration can have a direct impact on the business, traffic and customer movement of these markets.
20 markets around Ramlila Maidan will be affected
According to CTI, traders of 20 markets including Sadar Bazaar, Chandni Chowk, Chawri Bazaar, Bhagirath Place, Khari Baoli, Naya Bazaar, Kashmiri Gate, Karol Bagh, Lajpat Rai Market, Connaught Place, Paharganj, Daryaganj, Jama Masjid Market, Ballimaran, Kinari Bazaar, Ajmeri Gate, Mori Gate and Turkman Gate may be affected.
CTI has demanded that protests and rallies should not be allowed at Ramlila Maidan 15 days before and 15 days after major festivals like Diwali, Navratri, Ramlila, Chhath and Eid. The organization says that the business of traders is highest during festivals and business can be affected due to demonstrations or rallies.
Ban on big rallies during wedding season
The organization has demanded a ban on big rallies during the wedding season starting from November 20 and marriage muhurtas from January 15 to June 28. According to CTI, this will reduce the pressure on hotels, restaurants, banquet halls, markets and traffic.
CTI has also questioned the crowd limit of 50 thousand people proposed in the SOP. The organization says that such a large crowd can also cause traffic jams and business problems in nearby markets. CTI has demanded that the crowd limit should be decided keeping in mind the market conditions and information about traffic diversion should be made available in advance on the day of the rally.
CTI has also demanded that nearby markets should not be forced to close if there is a rally or protest at Ramlila Maidan. According to the organization, the roads leading to the markets should be kept open on the day of the rally and no road should be closed without prior notice.
Provision to compensate traders for losses
CTI has also demanded to include a provision for compensation of economic loss in the SOP. The organization says that despite the implementation of SOP, if traders suffer financial loss due to any rally or demonstration, then responsibility should be fixed and there should be a provision to compensate for the loss.
CTI Chairman Brijesh Goyal said that the organization is not against protests and in democracy every person has the right to express his views. He said that the freedom of one should not become the reason for the ruin of the business of another. Goyal claimed that Delhi traders have suffered a loss of Rs 14,000 crore due to the protests in the last one month.
CTI has demanded the Delhi Police Commissioner to convene a meeting with CTI and representatives of 20 market organizations within the next three days, so that the suggestions of traders can be included in the final draft of the SOP.