Shops, eating joints in CP close early, count losses

In an unprecedented move, shops, offices and restaurants in Connaught Place (CP) shut by 6.30 p.m. on Thursday following an advisory issued by the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA), citing the prevailing situation in and around the area.

Hundreds of people have been gathering near Jantar Mantar since July 20 over the NEET paper leak and demands for the resignation of the Union Education Minister, with crowds spilling beyond the designated protest site.

In a circular issued on Thursday, the NDTA said the decision was taken after telephonic advice from the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), who asked that all commercial establishments in CP close by 6.30 p.m.

NDTA president Atul Bhargava said the advisory was issued “keeping in mind the tense situation around Jantar Mantar and CP”. The association urged all shop owners, offices and restaurants to cooperate and strictly comply with the directions.

The circular cited a “critical situation” in the area due to the Cockroach Janta Party-led (CJP) protest, and asked establishment owners to ensure compliance to avoid any untoward incident, including loss of property or injury.

While the advisory was issued for Thursday, Mr. Bhargava told The Hindu that a similar direction could be considered on Friday after reviewing the situation. He said there are around 1,400 shops and over 1,000 offices in the area.

“The traders have been reporting losses of around 20–35% over the past three days. The number of protesters near CP is also increasing, so it is in everybody’s best interest to close shops despite the losses. No damage has been reported so far. We will assess the situation tomorrow and decide,” he said.

Responding to the advisory, the Cockroach Janata Party, in a post on X, questioned the move: “Order to close all shops in Connaught Place by 6:30 p.m. this evening, what does the government want to do?”

Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal also raised concerns over the security arrangements. “Order to close all shops in CP by 6:30 p.m. this evening and intense security. Piles of ambulances. Will the Central government once again act against students at Jantar Mantar today?” he said in a post on X.