Several markets across Delhi have decided to reopen on Sunday despite concerns over the tense situation following Saturday’s police crackdown and heavy security deployment in the capital. Traders have been urged to remain vigilant and strengthen security arrangements as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and student groups have called for another round of protests at Jantar Mantar.
The decision comes during the festive shopping season, when businesses have already invested heavily in stock and are counting on increased customer footfall. Traders said prolonged closures could cause further losses, even as they seek police assistance to prevent disruptions.
New Delhi markets told to reopen with tighter security
Atul Bhargava, president of the New Delhi Traders Association (NDTA), said a fresh advisory had been issued asking markets to resume business while taking additional precautions.
“This is the festival season and a lot of stock purchases by traders have already been made. We have asked the markets to re-open today but they must increase the vigilance. Deploy people near entrances to check no rowdy element is creating ruckus. A lot of chaos was seen in Connaught Place on Saturday but we can’t keep asking people to shut their shops,” he said.
The advisory issued to New Delhi markets referred to the protests and the sensitive situation in and around Connaught Place on Saturday. It urged traders to exercise caution while reopening on October 11, 2026, and ensure that entrances were guarded.
“Looking at the ongoing protests and sensitive situation in and around Connaught Place on Saturday. We request everyone to be vigilant and cautious while re-opening on 11/10/26. Please keep your doors on guard and let us be alert and safe,” the advisory said.
Traders said the aim was to keep businesses operational without compromising the safety of shopkeepers, employees and customers.
Khan Market to remain fully open
Khan Market will operate as usual on Sunday, according to Sanjiv Mehra, president of the Khan Market Traders Association (KMTA).
Mehra said traders had adopted a wait-and-watch approach on Saturday, with shops opening after a temporary closure of around three hours. He said the police had managed to contain the protest, prompting the association to decide against another shutdown.
“Yesterday, we kept the market on wait and watch mode. Shops were opened after closure of three hours. Police was able to contain the protest. We have decided to remain open on Sunday,” he said.
The decision reflects traders’ efforts to balance concerns over public safety with the need to maintain business during a crucial period for retail sales.
Sarojini Nagar traders fear festive-season losses
Sarojini Nagar market is also fully open on Sunday, with traders appealing to customers to visit despite the uncertainty.
Ashok Kalra, the market’s general secretary, said the start of Navratri had made the period particularly important for retailers. He noted that customer footfall had fallen sharply on Saturday amid the protests and security restrictions.
“Navratri have started and this is the peak sale season for us. Our market is fully open and we urge customers to come. Yesterday, we witnessed sharp drop in footfalls. We are also urging police and authorities to help ensure normalcy,” Kalra said.
Traders in the market are hoping that normal activity will resume quickly, allowing businesses to recover sales lost during Saturday’s disruption.
Retail trade remains partly open amid uncertainty
Not all markets have returned to normal operations. Brijesh Goyal, president of the Chamber of Trade and Industries, said retail markets would remain partially open because of uncertainty surrounding the protests.
He said Saturday had brought very little business and that the impact extended well beyond retail shops to the services, hospitality, transport and tourism sectors.
“There was hardly any business yesterday. Not just retail trade, but including service sector, hospitality sector, transport, tourism, business has been affected across. Closure of markets during the festival has given a huge shock to traders,” Goyal said.
The contrasting decisions across markets underline the uncertainty facing Delhi’s commercial areas as authorities prepare for another day of possible demonstrations. Traders are hoping that increased vigilance and police support will allow shops to remain open while minimising disruption during the festive shopping season.