Connaught Place Shops Shut Early Amid Protests
NDTA issues advisory following NDMC guidance as heightened security surrounds CJP-led demonstrations in Delhi
- Connaught Place shops, offices and restaurants asked to close by 6:30 pm.
- NDTA issued advisory following telephonic guidance from NDMC officials.
- Decision taken amid heightened security due to ongoing CJP-led protests.
- AAP criticised the move, alleging excessive security deployment.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 23rd July: Shops, restaurants and office establishments in Delhi’s Connaught Place were directed to close by 6:30 pm on Thursday following an advisory issued by the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA) amid heightened security arrangements linked to ongoing protests in the national capital.
In its advisory, the NDTA said the decision was taken after telephonic guidance from the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) in view of the “critical situation” around Connaught Place.
“As advised by the Chairman NDMC and Vice Chairman NDMC, telephonically, looking at the critical situation around CP, all shops and establishments, including offices and restaurants, in Connaught Place shall close for the day by 6.30 pm,” the advisory stated.
The traders’ body urged all shop owners, office establishments and restaurant operators to cooperate and strictly comply with the directions to avoid any untoward incidents and prevent damage to property or injury.
The precautionary measure comes amid continuing protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the alleged NEET paper leak and the demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Reacting to the advisory, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal criticised the decision, alleging heavy security deployment in the area.
In a post on X, Kejriwal questioned whether the Centre would again use force against protesters at Jantar Mantar, while sharing a copy of the advisory.
Security has remained heightened in central Delhi since tensions escalated earlier this week over the student-led demonstrations, prompting authorities to implement precautionary measures in several parts of the city.
