Resume sealing, SC committee tells MCD

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Thursday, November 2, 2006 (New Delhi):The Supreme Court appointed Monitoring Committee has said that sealing of illegal shops must resume on Friday.

Even though the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has been directed to do so, it is not under any obligation as the government has already told the Supreme Court that the law and order situation is delicate.

Sealing was to begin today as per the Monitoring Committee's order but was put on hold after the Group of Ministers' meeting on Wednesday.

Earlier today, the municipal authorities and the Centre approached the Supreme Court, asking it to take up the case on a priority basis. But the court refused to take it up today and listed it for Monday.

The Group of Ministers on sealing will meet later today to review the situation.

The Delhi government meanwhile, approached the Supreme Court seeking relief for the 41,000 traders on humanitarian grounds.

Violent protests:

On the third day of the bandh called to protest the sealing on Wednesday, thousands of traders took to the streets, causing massive traffic jams in different parts of the city.

The traders had even threatened to extend their strike indefinitely if the government went ahead with the sealing drive.

Paramilitary forces were called in Seelampur and Noida Mode areas in east Delhi.

In September this year, trader protests had turned violent in Seelampur leading to the death of four people.

A massive rally was taken out through some of the busiest shopping areas of south Delhi.

The rally started from Malviya Nagar and proceeded through Hauz Khas, Green Park, South Extension, Lajpat Nagar, Greater Kailash Part I. It finally ended at Greater Kailash Part II.

The agitating traders also held dharnas and rallies in other parts of the city. These included Chawri Bazar, Loni road, Paharhganj, Ashok Vihar, Shakti Nagar, Pankha road and Lahori Gate.

Most major markets remained shut although chemist shops were open.