Delhi Traders Demand Protest Ban After ₹2,000 Crore Losses

Prominent trade associations in Delhi, including the Federation Lajpat Nagar Traders Association, the Automotive Parts Merchants Association, and the Sarojini Market Shop-Keepers Association, wrote letters to Narendra Modi on October 16, 2026. They requested urgent intervention from the Prime Minister and the Central Government to protect their livelihoods following heavy financial losses estimated at ₹2,000 crore. The traders cited disruption and panic caused by protests around October 10, which scared customers away for 4 to 5 days both before and after the event.

The appeal highlights severe financial strain on Delhi's commercial sector due to civil unrest. The business bodies are demanding an immediate ban on large-scale protests in central commercial hubs to safeguard the local economy during the peak sales window of October through December.