Commercial establishments in the heart of the national capital were asked to wrap up business early on Thursday after the New Delhi Traders Association issued an advisory on the Connaught Place shops’ closure. The decision came amid escalating security arrangements around the ongoing Cockroach Janta Party protest at Jantar Mantar, where tensions have risen following clashes between protesters and police. The advisory has affected shops, restaurants and offices across Connaught Place as authorities seek to prevent any further law and order issues.
Connaught Place shops closure follows security advisory
The Connaught Place shops’ closure was announced after the traders’ association said it had received instructions from senior officials of the New Delhi Municipal Council.
According to the advisory, all commercial establishments in Connaught Place were requested to suspend operations by 6:30 pm in view of the prevailing situation. Traders were urged to cooperate with the authorities to avoid damage to property or any untoward incident.
The move comes as heavy police deployment continues around central Delhi, with security tightened following recent violence linked to the CJP-led agitation.
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Political reactions intensify over Delhi protest
The Connaught Place shops’ closure also triggered sharp political reactions.
Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal questioned the Centre over the security measures, alleging that the government was preparing for another confrontation with protesting students at Jantar Mantar.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police confirmed that multiple officers were injured during clashes in the Connaught Place area. Senior police officials, including Assistant Commissioners of Police Jai Prakash and Vivek Bhagat, sustained injuries after alleged stone-pelting. Several FIRs have since been registered in connection with the violence.
Hospital authorities stated that injured officers suffered bruises and head injuries while performing law and order duties near the protest site.
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Protest organisers reject allegations of violence
Even as the Connaught Place shops’ closure remained in effect, CJP leaders denied responsibility for the violence.
CJP representative Abhijeet Dipke alleged that outsiders had been brought in to disrupt what he described as a peaceful month-long protest. According to him, the demonstrations remained peaceful until public support for the movement began to grow.
Delhi Police, however, continue to investigate the incidents and have registered multiple cases across the New Delhi district relating to clashes during the protests.
The Connaught Place shops’ closure reflects the heightened concerns surrounding public safety in central Delhi as the protest enters another crucial phase. Authorities are expected to closely monitor developments while traders await further directions on normal business operations.
