Farmers 'Delhi Chalo' protest: Locals, traders at Delhi borders fear huge financial losses

As farmers commence their "Delhi Chalo" march today, fear and uncertainty grips the locals, shopkeepers and traders at the capital's border areas. Memories of crippling losses during the 2020-21 protests resurface, with many bracing for another financially turbulent period.

Shopkeepers at Tikri and Singhu borders, hotspots of the previous agitation, anticipate significant losses due to potential road closures and movement restrictions.

"During the last protests, our daily customers, mainly construction workers, couldn't reach us due to restrictions," shares a shopkeeper near Tikri border. "We faced major losses then, and the fear of a repeat is strong now." a shopkeeper told The New Indian Express

Another trader, Sayyam, recalls the struggle of reaching his shop during the previous protests due to heavy security deployment. "With barricades and heavy security expected again, reaching my shop might be difficult, impacting my business significantly", as per The New Indian Express.

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha, along with other organizations, are calling for the march to pressure the government to fulfill their demands, including a guaranteed minimum support price (MSP) for crops. Section 144 has been imposed across Delhi for 30 days, and over 5,000 security personnel are deployed along borders.

While the exact financial impact remains unclear, experts acknowledge the potential disruption. The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India previously estimated daily losses of ₹3,500 crore during the 2020 protests.

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