Delhi barricades leave workers unable to reach shops and construction sites

Police barricades during Delhi’s October 10 protests prevented some workers from reaching shops, cafes and construction sites. Workers interviewed by The Hindu said they could not pass identity checks and faced losing a day’s earnings.

Police turned back people travelling through Nizamuddin towards Khan Market and surrounding areas. The newspaper reported that those stopped included migrant labourers and daily-wage workers unable to produce valid identity documents for security personnel.

Devender Chauhan, a 41-year-old advertising company employee in Khan Market, arrived on a scooter with his wife, who works at a cafe. He said her work uniform did not secure passage. His employer initially asked him to open the shop because he held its key, then told him not to work that day. He said other routes he tried were also closed.

Mukesh Chauhan, a 47-year-old electrician, said missing his worksite would mean receiving no pay for the day. He put his monthly income at about 9,000 rupees. He also feared losing the 100 rupees he had already spent on fuel for the journey.

Ram Kishan Mandal, 36, was among construction workers stopped at another barricade on the way towards India Gate. He said police required permission to proceed. His employer suggested walking to the site, but the workers still could not pass.

Mandal said recent flooding had destroyed his home in Bihar. His wife and children were living in a temporary dwelling under a tarpaulin roof. His earnings were needed to rebuild their home and buy food, making a missed day of work an immediate financial concern.

Devender Chauhan also recalled restrictions around Khan Market during CJP and student union protests in June and July. He said he had waited about two hours on that occasion. The workers’ accounts illustrate the effect of movement restrictions on people trying to reach their jobs.