Why did traders shut Fatehabad markets on Dasehra against MC crackdown

On Dasehra, nearly 1,900 shops in Fatehabad remained shut as traders launched a city-wide protest against a recent anti-encroachment drive by the Municipal Council. With over 95 per cent of the markets closed until noon and effigies of officials burnt at public squares, the demonstration marked a dramatic escalation in tensions between local businesses and the administration.

What led to the traders’ protest on Dasehra?

The protest was triggered by a month-long anti-encroachment campaign carried out by the Fatehabad Municipal Council. Officials, led by District Municipal Commissioner Sanjay Bishnoi, used bulldozers to clear alleged unauthorised structures outside shops. Goods worth thousands of rupees were seized, and many small business owners reported significant financial losses. Traders alleged that the campaign targeted them unfairly and was conducted without proper dialogue or warning. The timing of the crackdown just before the festive season further inflamed tempers, leading to the Dasehra shutdown. Shops began closing from early morning, and the traders gathered in large numbers, marching from Hans Market to Jawahar Chowk.

How did the traders express their anger during the protest?

The protest turned symbolic and emotional as the traders burnt an effigy of municipal officials at Jawahar Chowk, likening them to the mythological villain Ravana. Bajrang Garg, the state president of the Traders’ Association, addressed the gathering and accused the municipal officers of corruption and heavy-handedness. He urged the business community to stay united, asserting that only a strong, collective response would prevent further harassment. Garg demanded compensation for the losses suffered during the drive and called for the immediate suspension of Commissioner Sanjay Bishnoi. Other leaders like Ashok Narang and Vinod Arora criticised the administration for ignoring repeated appeals for talks, claiming the traders were being treated like criminals rather than citizens.

 What political and community support did the traders receive?

The protest drew widespread support from local councillors, community organisations, and political leaders. BJP district president Praveen Jaura had earlier urged the officials to halt the drive until after Diwali, citing ongoing talks with the Deputy Commissioner and the Chief Minister. Rajya Sabha MP Subhash Barala also condemned the demolition action, stating that “this is not Taliban rule” and that no government should treat the traders so harshly. He appealed to the officials to respect the festive season and engage in dialogue with business owners rather than launching aggressive demolition campaigns.

 What was the administration’s response to the protest?

In response to the large-scale shutdown and growing public pressure, district officials announced that the anti-encroachment drive would be paused until after Diwali. They also requested that the traders voluntarily remove any unauthorised structures. The officials assured the public that future actions would involve consultation with all stakeholders. However, the traders remain cautious, demanding firm guarantees that similar actions would not be repeated without proper process and engagement.