Restaurants, shops, offices and other commercial establishments in New Delhi’s Connaught Place were directed to shut by 6.30 pm on Thursday amid heightened security arrangements due to the continuing Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests in central Delhi.
The New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA) issued a “most important and urgent” advisory after receiving telephonic instructions from the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC), according to the circular.
“Looking at the critical situation around CP, it has been strictly advised that all shops and establishments, including offices and restaurants, in Connaught Place, New Delhi, shall close for the day by 6.30 pm,” the July 23 advisory stated.
The circular, signed by NDTA President Atul Bhargava, urged all establishment owners and occupants to cooperate with the authorities and ensure strict compliance with the directions.
The traders’ body said the precautionary measure was intended to prevent any “unpleasant situation” and safeguard people from injury and property damage.
Connaught Place is located close to Jantar Mantar, where students, examination aspirants and CJP supporters have been protesting over alleged irregularities in NEET and other competitive examinations.
The CJP launched its on-ground agitation on June 6 after founder Abhijeet Dipke led the first major demonstration at Jantar Mantar with permission from Delhi Police. Protesters have been demanding accountability for alleged examination irregularities and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The demonstrations intensified on July 20 when thousands of protesters attempted to march towards Parliament on the opening day of the Monsoon Session. Delhi Police used tear gas and batons after protesters breached barricades and spread across parts of central Delhi, including Connaught Place, Janpath and Raisina Road.
The movement has also witnessed widespread public support through anonymous donations of essential supplies. Supporters from across the country have sent prepaid food, drinking water, ORS packets, medicines, sanitary products, bandages and other relief materials using food-delivery and quick-commerce platforms.
Delivery personnel from services such as Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Zepto and Instamart have regularly reached Jantar Mantar with supplies intended for protesters, while volunteers have organised distribution centres to manage the incoming aid.
The flow of donations reportedly increased after the police action on July 20. At one stage, the CJP appealed to supporters to temporarily stop sending food as supplies exceeded immediate requirements and risked being wasted.
Meanwhile, the Centre on Thursday renewed its invitation to the CJP leadership for dialogue.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the government had sent four formal proposals for discussions with CJP representatives since Wednesday afternoon and remained ready to hold talks at any mutually convenient time.
He said the meeting could take place either at Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda’s office or residence, with both ministers participating, and appealed to the protesters to engage in constructive dialogue to help resolve the issues.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of fast-track courts for the speedy disposal of paper leak cases.
The Prime Minister said the special courts would ensure swift investigation and stringent punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks and added that the concerned departments had been directed to take all necessary steps to strengthen the integrity of the examination system.
