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Violence looms as sealing resumes in capital
BY CORRESPONDENT
November 7, 2006
A day after the Supreme Court ordered resumption of sealing ff unauthorised trade centres, the capital city of Delhi
saw securitymen patrolling the streets in a bid to check violence.
The administration had in fact feared an outbreak of violent stir, by shopkeepers facing the closure. The ongoing strike is the a last bid effort by traders to save an estimated 500,000 commercial establishments facing closure. The Supreme Court in its ruling on Monday had refused to suspend its orders enforcing the demolition drive, saying the closure of illicit commercial premises was a test of the country’s commitment to the rule of law and its democratic culture.
Anticipating violence, the government on Monday night had ordered public schools in New Delhi to shut their doors on Tuesday and Wednesday. This was followed by private institutions also going for holidays.
The fear by the government comes due to an earlier strike by shopkeepers which witnessed large-scale violence and death of five people. The current stand off reveals the tough situation in the metros of the country thanks to unplanned urbanisation.
The current row hs also brought to focus the power of the Supreme Court. The apex court had been under immense pressure from the Central government and the Delhi administration to suspend the demolition drive. The state government and the Centre had urged the Supreme Court to suspend orders requiring municipal authorities to proceed with the demolition drive, pending changes to the capital’s antiquated planning laws.
The traders are now an agitated lot. They feel that the government has the moral duty to provide them with relief from sealing activities.
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