Bharat Bandh today - Prominent markets to remain closed in Delhi, UP, other states

The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) is holding a nationwide trade bandh on Monday to express solidarity with the families of security personnel martyred in the Pulwama terror attack. The traders' body said that all commercial markets will remain closed on February 18 and there will be no business activity. Apart from this, the traders would also observe a day long fast and take out a tribute march in their respective states, informed CAIT Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal. The bandh will certainly affect day to day operations in various parts of the country. 

- In Delhi, all wholesale and retail markets will observe bandh on February 18. 

- Traders in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, J&K and other states will participate in the trade bandh on February 18. 

- The body is planning to organise substantial financial assistance which will be directly given by traders to the families of martyrs. 

- The statement released by CAIT added that the body has also decided to boycott Chinese goods. "In the wake of China supporting Pakistan, the CAIT has decided to launch a national campaign to boycott Chinese goods," it said. 

- In Delhi prominent markets including Chandni Chowk, Khari Baoli, Kashmiri Gate, Chawri Bazar, Sadar Bazar, Connaught Place, Karol Bagh, Rajouri Garden, Kamla Nagar, South Extension, Lajpat Nagar, Laxmi Nagar, Preet Vihar, Shahdara, Gandhi Nagar etc will be closed, CAIT said. 

The body has said that the band will be peaceful and business establishments will remain closed. Essential items and public transport have been kept out of bandh.