Fatehabad traders shut shops, burn effigy in protest against encroachment drive

Nearly 1,900 shops in Fatehabad were shut on Wednesday morning as traders launched a protest against a recent municipal anti-encroachment drive. The shutdown, called by the local traders’ body, saw around 95 per cent of the city’s markets remain closed until noon. Protesters gathered at Jawahar Chowk, where they burned an effigy of municipal officials in a symbolic act of defiance.

The demonstration began at 9 am in Hans Market, where the shopkeepers assembled and marched towards Jawahar Chowk. Bajrang Garg, state president of the traders’ association, accused officials of unfairly targeting small businesses under the pretext of removing encroachments. He compared the officers to “Ravana,” calling them corrupt and oppressive.

“We need to stand united,” Garg told the crowd. “If we act once with strength, they won’t dare trouble us again.” He demanded compensation for losses caused during the demolition drive and called for the suspension of district Municipal Commissioner Sanjay Bishnoi.

The protest received support from local councillors and community organisations. Association leaders Ashok Narang and Vinod Arora said multiple requests for dialogue with the officials were ignored. “They treated traders like criminals,” Narang said.

The unrest follows a month-long anti-encroachment campaign led by Bishnoi, during which bulldozers removed unauthorised structures outside shops and seized goods worth thousands of rupees. The traders reported widespread financial damage and rising fear among business owners.

BJP district president Praveen Jaura had earlier attempted to pause the drive until after Diwali, after discussions with the Deputy Commissioner and Chief Minister.

Rajya Sabha MP Subhash Barala also condemned the demolition action, stating, “This is not Taliban rule. The traders should not be treated like this.” He urged officials to hold talks with the traders, especially during the festive season, and stop the demolitions.

Meanwhile, talking to the media, Deputy Commissioner Vivek Bharti confirmed that the encroachment drive would be paused until after Diwali. He called on the traders to voluntarily clear any encroachments and assured that future action would involve consultation with all stakeholders.