Ghaziabad traders threaten self-immolation over rising house tax protests

Ghaziabad has witnessed a dramatic escalation in the ongoing protests against increased house tax rates, with organizers warning of extreme measures if their demands are not met. On Thursday, the sit-in led by the House Tax Protest Committee at Nav Yug Market entered its eighth consecutive day, as frustration among local traders continues to grow. The protestors have now issued a stark warning: 12 traders are prepared to commit self-immolation on Independence Day, August 15, if the administration fails to address their grievances.

Rajkishore Gupta, the chief organizer of the movement, stated that traders have been peacefully presenting their demands to the municipal corporation and local authorities for over a week. “We’ve tried everything — sit-ins, petitions, discussions — but if no resolution is reached soon, the situation will spiral out of control,” Gupta warned. He urged the administration to act before August 15 to prevent any tragic incidents and called for immediate intervention to roll back the increased tax rates.

Marking Youth Day, the committee also appealed to young traders to take a more active role in the movement. “The younger generation is known for its boldness and leadership. We need them to step up and amplify our voices,” Gupta said. The protestors emphasized that this issue affects not only traders but also the general public, and vowed to expand the movement with greater participation from youth leaders in the coming days.

The committee reiterated its key demand: house tax rates should be revised to align with 2024 levels, ensuring relief for traders and residents. “We are not looking for confrontation; we want a solution through dialogue. But the additional financial burden is unacceptable,” said one protestor. With Independence Day symbolizing democratic rights, the traders urged the administration to take a decisive step before the historic occasion.

The protest has garnered significant attention, with hundreds of traders and citizens joining the sit-in daily. Organizers have warned that if their demands remain unmet, they will escalate the movement, potentially including market shutdowns and other measures. The ball is now in the administration’s court to prevent further unrest in the city.