Markets turn into kids' playgrounds

Blessing in disguise

In the wake of the bandh called by the BJP against price rise, most of the major markets remained shut in the city on Thursday giving children an opportunity to convert them into playgrounds. 

“We stay in Chandni Chowk and we never got this kind of empty space to play cricket. It is hot but we get to play,” said some children playing in the market.

More than a bandh, it was a curfew like situation in Delhi markets for some Delhi residents. “I have never seen Chandni Chowk this deserted before. I come here regularly but today it felt like a curfew has been imposed,” said Shaqeel, who works in a hotel near Chandni Chowk.

In Delhi, the protest was held also against the state government’s budget proposal to impose a 5 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on CNG.

Only chemists, clinics and eateries in crowded markets such as Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh and Connaught Place were open throughout the day. 

However, a few salesmen from garment, book and jewellery shops were seen standing outside the Metro station trying to woo customers by approaching them individually.

Back gates were open

“Some of the shopkeepers have opened their back gates and even those shops which are situated in the interior parts of the market were open throughout the day,” said a salesman at Chandni Chowk.

A senior police official at Karol Bagh said they ensured police presence at every major point in the crowded markets.  “We have already warned protesters that in case of any violent activitiy strict action will be taken,” he said.

Bittu, Karol Bagh Market Traders Association member, expressed his anger over the government’s apathy towards common man’s cause. 

“Even we come under the common man tag. And if they keep increasing prices of commodities we will have to pass the burden on to the customers who as a result will stop purchasing from us,” he said.

Many foreigners were seen roaming around on empty market streets with a disappointed look on their face.

Foreigners roam around

“I will be leaving Delhi tonight. I had planned to visit this most talked about market but the shopkeepers are adamant on not opening their shops,” said Christine from America.
 Shops in Sarojini Nagar market remained closed till noon. “We opened after the BJP rally got over in the morning,” said Pramod Kumar, Sarojini Nagar Market Traders Association president. 

Some shopkeepers said they shut down their shops as a precautionary measure. “When there is a rally we have to be careful because protesters can get aggressive,” said a shopkeeper in Sarojini Nagar market.

Even Connaught Place wore deserted look with only guards standing outside their respective shops and showrooms. 

However, some markets like Lajpat Nagar and Greater Kailash 1 and 2 in south Delhi did not become a part of this protest.