NEW DELHI, Oct 30: Hundreds of shopkeepers clashed on Monday with police wielding batons and water cannons at the start of a three-day strike in the Indian capital against a decision to close shops in residential areas, eye witnesses said.

Thousands of shops were shut cross the capital to mark the protests against a Supreme Court order to close businesses deemed illegal under building laws in the federal city-state of 14 million.

Police hit protestors with steel-tipped bamboo canes and jets of water as they tried to cross barricades outside the heavily-guarded New Delhi legislative assembly.

The protestors set effigies of New Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dixit on fire and shouted slogans demanding the cancellation of the order to shut shops.

“All the markets are closed today. Only fruits and vegetables will be available during the next three days,” said Praveen Khandelwal, general secretary of the Delhi Trade Association.

In similar protests last month against the closure of shops, four people died in clashes with anti-riot police.

Since the court order was issued on Sept 1, hundreds of buildings have been sealed or razed, leading to violent protests by residents and shop owners.

Residents say municipal authorities encourage the illegal building of shops and houses by accepting bribes.

Last month’s violent protests prompted federal Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy to suggest a special session of parliament to pass a law to legalise thousands of shops and businesses in New Delhi for a fee.—AFP