Bhopal Traders Shut Markets, Demand Immediate Removal Of Moti Masjid Barricades Amid Growing Anger

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Traders in the old city staged a massive protest on Friday against the barricades installed outside Moti Masjid, demanding their immediate removal in Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal.

Shops in key commercial areas, including Chowk Bazaar and Lakherapura, remained closed as traders accused the police of ignoring their repeated appeals despite months of inconvenience.

The protesters gathered on the road and warned that the agitation would continue until the barricades are removed.

Traders' Association president Abhishek Jain said the police and district administration had already been alerted through a rally held on Wednesday, but no action was taken.

Office-bearers of several trade bodies, including the Bhopal Vyavasayi Mahasangh, Shri Sarafa Association, Federation of Rajdhani Vastra Vyavasayi Sangh, Old Bhopal Wholesale Readymade Sangh, Azad Market Vyavasayi Sangh, Nadeem Road Vyapari Sangh and Ibrahimpur Vyapari Sangh, joined the protest.

The barricades at the Iqbal Maidan intersection have forced vehicles approaching from Bhoj Setu to take a longer route through Sadar Manzil and Chirayu Hospital to reach Lakherapura, Chowk Bazaar, Sarafa, Jumerati, Budhwara and Ibrahimganj, causing inconvenience to traders and customers alike.

Traders also alleged that the barricades delayed the arrival of a fire tender during the August 1 fire at a century-old textile shop in Chowk Bazaar, intensifying resentment against the police.

Police, however, defended the barricading, saying it was introduced to prevent vehicles from driving on the wrong side towards Peer Gate and to reduce the risk of road accidents.