Delhi traders observe bandh to protest Pahalgam killings

In a powerful display of solidarity, traders across Delhi participated in a complete shutdown on Friday to protest the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 people.

Key commercial hubs like Connaught Place, Sadar Bazar, Chandni Chowk and Karol Bagh were among over 900 markets that remained shut, as part of the city-wide ‘Delhi Bandh’ organised by the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI).

The bandh, which garnered support from various merchant associations representing sectors such as textiles, spices, utensils and bullion, led to a significant financial loss, with over 8 lakh shops across the city remaining closed. The estimated trade loss amounted to around Rs 1,500 crore for the day as revealed by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT). Traders across Delhi expressed their outrage by participating in candle marches, silent vigils and tributes, calling for justice for the victims of the deadly attack.

In Sadar Bazar, one of the busiest markets in the city, the usually bustling area was eerily quiet, with shopkeepers, fruit vendors and vegetable sellers joining the protest led by Federation of Sadar Bazar Traders Association chairman Paramjit Singh Pamma and president Rakesh Yadav.

“There is anger all over the country, and we assure the Prime Minister that we stand with the government in its fight against terrorism,” said Pamma.

The shutdown also affected Gandhinagar, Asia’s largest wholesale ready-made garment market, which remained completely closed in solidarity. The market association issued a statement urging justice for the victims and reiterating its commitment to standing against terrorism.

Praveen Khandelwal, Member of Parliament from Chandni Chowk and secretary general of the Confederation of All-India Traders (CAIT), led a “sympathy march” from Ghantaghar to the historic Red Fort. The march, which saw the participation of hundreds of traders and their staff, underscored the collective outrage against the attack.

Khandelwal addressed the crowd, emphasising the nation’s united stance against terrorism. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sounded the final call against terrorism, and the entire nation stands united with him,” he said.

Among the markets that observed the shutdown were Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh, Khan Market, Khari Baoli, Naya Bazar, Kashmiri Gate, Shalimar Bagh and Model Town, to name a few. Traders in these areas took to the streets with the national flag and raised slogans such as ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Down with Terrorism’.

Delhi BJP president Virendra Sachdeva also expressed his appreciation for the traders’ support of the government’s firm stance on terrorism. “The traders of Delhi have shown unparalleled unity and support for the government’s action against those responsible for the brutal killings in Pahalgam,” he stated.