New Delhi, October 30
Shops in all major markets here remained closed today as traders put up the shutters to protest against the resumption of the sealing drive here on Supreme Court orders.
The police had to use water cannons to disperse protesters, including BJP leaders, as they tried to break the security cordon in front of the Assembly.
The protesters rushed towards barricades raising anti-government slogans, with some pelting stones at the police.
The business community had announced a 72-hour Delhi trade bandh to protest against the sealing of commercial establishments in residential areas.
The Delhi BJP and the state unit of the Congress extended support to the strike.
The Delhi Medical Association and the Retailer and Distributors Chemists Association took part in the bandh.
Though government-run schools remained open and so did most private schools, attendance was thin.
The BJP and traders staged demonstrations near the state Assembly, the ninth session of which started today.
Police personnel were deployed and tight security arrangements made in and around strategic locations, including major markets.
Stating that it was a state of readiness to enforce law and order during the bandh, the police appealed to the general public to maintain peace and harmony during the bandh.
It also appealed to the agitating traders not to obstruct the general public in its daily activities.
