BHOPAL: Traders in Bhopal staged a protest on Friday demanding the removal of barricades installed near Moti Masjid, claiming they have disrupted access to key commercial areas and affected business activity.
Shops in Chowk Market, Lakherapura and several nearby markets remained closed as traders gathered for a sit-in demonstration. Protesters said the demonstration would continue until the barricades were removed.
Bhopal Traders Continue Protest
According to traders, the barricades have been in place for several months and have created difficulties for customers, commuters and emergency vehicles. They alleged that repeated requests to the police to remove the barriers had not resulted in any action.
Traders said they had earlier appealed to the police and district administration to resolve the issue. As no action was taken, they decided to intensify their protest.
Representatives from several traders’ organisations participated in the demonstration.
The barricades are located near Iqbal Maidan Square in front of Moti Masjid. Traders said vehicles travelling from Bhoj Setu towards Lakherapura, Chowk Market, Sarafa, Jumerati, Budhwara and Ibrahimganj are now required to take a longer diversion through Sadar Manzil and Chirayu Hospital, increasing travel time and causing inconvenience.
The issue gained further attention after a fire broke out at a century-old cloth shop in Chowk Market on Aug. 1. Traders claimed the barricades delayed the arrival of fire services, affecting emergency response efforts.
Police, however, said the barricades were installed to prevent vehicles from entering the Pir Gate stretch on the wrong side, reducing the risk of traffic accidents and improving road safety.
