Hawkers from Laitumkhrah have declared that they will not vacate their vending spots on the date fixed by the government for their relocation, insisting they will remain in place unless they are provided with a suitable alternative site.
The hawkers continued their agitation for the fourth consecutive day, gathering outside the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) office with placards to protest the proposed relocation from their present vending locations. During the protest, they also submitted a memorandum to the Municipal authorities outlining their grievances.
The demonstration was supported by social activist Angela Rangad, who has been advocating for the rights of street vendors.
Speaking to reporters, Rangad said it was unfortunate that the hawkers had been forced to protest outside the Municipal office for four consecutive days simply to have their voices heard. She said the vendors had repeatedly informed the Provisional Town Vending Committee (PTVC) that the proposed Brightwell relocation site was unsuitable because it is located far from Ïewduh (Bara Bazar), raising concerns that the lack of customer footfall would deprive them of their livelihood.
One of the protesting hawkers, Benjamin Phawa, said the government had planned to remove the vendors from the area, but they would not leave unless an acceptable relocation site was provided.
“We have survived by selling on the streets. We do not know any other means of earning a living. Even if we are removed by force or punished, we will not move until we are given a proper place to do business,” he said.
The hawkers maintained that they are not opposed to relocation but want a location that is commercially viable and allows them to continue supporting their families.
