New Delhi, 23 July (H.S.): The New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA) on Thursday appealed to all shops and offices in Connaught Place to close by 6:30 PM today in view of the prevailing situation in the area.

The traders’ body said that New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) Chairman Keshav Chandra and Vice Chairman Kuljeet Singh Chahal had advised the move over the phone.

In an order issued by the association, the NDTA stated that due to the deteriorating situation in Connaught Place, all shops, restaurants and offices should be closed by 6:30 PM on Thursday.

The association urged all traders and business operators to extend their full cooperation to prevent any possible losses or untoward incidents.

Reacting to the advisory, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal questioned the sudden deployment of a large number of security personnel and ambulances near Jantar Mantar.

Taking a swipe at the government, Kejriwal asked whether authorities were planning to use force against the protesting students again.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar