Khan Market to remain closed today, traders seek action against perpetrators
Traders’ associations across Delhi staged protests on Wednesday, condemning the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, that left 26 people dead. The traders wore black ribbons to show solidarity with the victims.
They carried placards with messages demanding swift justice, including slogans such as “Doshiyon ke khilaf karwayi karo” (Take action against the guilty), “Begunahon ka balidaan nahi sahega Hindustan” (India will not tolerate the sacrifice of innocents), and “Katleaam band karo” (Stop the massacre).
The protests took place at prominent locations across the city. The Chandni Chowk Traders Association organised a demonstration outside the Town Hall, while the Federation of Sadar Bazaar Traders organised their protest near Qutub Road. The demonstrators also displayed posters featuring images of the victims and their families, which had been circulating on social media in the wake of the attack.
Paramjit Singh Pamma, president, Federation of Sadar Bazaar Traders, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, calling it an attack on the entire nation. “We are a country with diverse religions, but terrorism knows no religion. A terrorist is a terrorist,” said Rakesh Kumar Yadav, Secretary of the Federation. In response to the attack, the Federation announced that the entire Sadar Bazaar would remain closed on April 25, in protest and in honor of the victims.
The traders’ associations urged the central government to take immediate and decisive action against the perpetrators of the attack. Rajiv Batra, President of the Chandni Chowk Traders Association, reiterated the call for strict action, stating, “We want strict action against those behind this terror attack. We stand with the government and support their efforts.”
In a display of unity, Sanjiv Mehra, president, Khan Market Traders Association, declared that Khan Market would be closed on Thursday. The traders also announced plans to hold a candlelight march to honour the victims and show their solidarity with the bereaved families.
