National Vendors' Day observed
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 20, 2012::
Like in other parts of the country, National Vendors' Day observance has been held at Manipur Press Club today under the joint aegis of Manipur Keithel Nupi Marup, Friendship Centre Manipur, Manipur Keithel Phambi Apunba Lup and Roadside Street Vendors' Welfare Association.
speaking at the occasion, Human Rights Law Network director Rakhesh Meihoubam said street vendors plying their trades in the market place is not an illegal trade activity for the law of the land is flexible enough to permit such trade practices.
Police and traffic personnel harassing the street vendors and scattering their goods amount to abuse of basic human rights, said the rights activist who suggested that law makers of the land should frame specific legislation to enable the street vendors sustain livelihood.
With reference to the forthcoming state assembly election, Rakhesh exhorted the street vendors to cast their vote for electing individuals who would and could redress their problem.
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Prof Chinglen Meisnam of Manipur University (Economics Department), who also addressed the gathering lamented that instead of allotting suitable spots for the street vendors to ply their trades the Government is using force to evict the daily wage earners from the market place.
He regretted that no political party had shown compassion to address woes of the street vendors through their respective election manifestos.
Prof Chinglen suggested that street vendors seek justice from the Government through unified movement in a democratic manner.
In her address, Manipur Keithel Nupi Marup president Y Ibeni Devi claimed that contrary to Manipur police and traffic personnel harassing the street vendors, many of whom are women bread winners of the family, road side traders in other parts of the country sustain source of livelihood with not only the support of the people but are also backed by the city or town administration.
She described as unfortunate police and traffic personnel randomly scattering goods of the women street vendors as a part of eviction drive in the market places.
among others former Member of Manipur Human Rights Commission RK Rajendra, social activist Dr Dhanabir Laishram and Manipur Keithel Phambi Apunba Lup president L Mema Devi also spoke on the occasion.