Indian traders riot over enforced shop closures

POLICE in the Indian capital New Delhi fired tear gas and used water cannon to disperse traders who stoned buses and damaged public property yesterday during protests against a drive to close illegal shops, police and witnesses said.

The day-long strike, which shut markets and schools, came after the Supreme Court said the government should press ahead with a drive to close about 40,000 shops operating illegally in residential areas of New Delhi.

The government had asked the Supreme Court for permission to hold off until the end of the year but was forced to give in.