Farmers Movement Archive

Traders ask police to open way for business

Days after locals from Singhu village gathered at the barricades installed by Delhi Police to meet senior officers, shopkeepers from Shiva Market also came together on Wednesday requesting a way to open their shops. With an application in their hand, the shopkeepers requested officers on duty to let them go and meet seniors. However, they were informed that the seniors were not available then. The shopkeepers mentioned that because the ongoing farmers’ protest, they’re incurring heavy losses and are unable to pay their rent. They sought help in opening the way so they can restart their business. Om Prakash (32), resident of Narela who runs a spare parts shop, said that before January 26, they were at least opening their shop and some of the customers were coming. However, after Republic Day violence, they have been forced to shut their shops. “All routes have been blocked by police. Two entry points which were open closed after January 29,” he said. Routes closed Shopkeepers said that they somehow manage to reach their shops to clean. However, it’s of no use as all the routes are closed and no one comes. “We go to clean the shop once in two-three days but we are incurring huge losses,” said Mr. Prakash who has a family of 10. Talking about the losses, Satnam (32), resident of Narela, said that they have to pay rent of Rs. 30,000-Rs. 50,000 a month, depending on space but aren’t able to earn anything. “Our landlord is not concerned that our shops are not opening. He is not waiving the rent. How will we survive?” he said. Satnam claimed to be taking care of eight members of his family. Shopkeepers also complained that goods worth thousands and lakhs in their shops are expiring or getting rotten. Some of them have had to take loan to manage their household expenses. “I have taken a loan of Rs. 1.5 lakh on 3% interest to take care of household expenses,” said Mr. Prakash. Shopkeepers said that they have been trying to reach police officers for 10 days in different police stations but have been coming to the Singhu border for two days but “no one is listening to us” they said. “All we want is the police to allow us and our customers to reach the shop,” said Mr. Satnam. Locals of Singhu village had gathered last week demanding barricades, installed at the entry point of their village, be removed.

The Hindu

2021-02-18

NEW DELHI