Vendors' differences disturb normalcy at Khwairamband Keithel
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, April 26 2011:
A chaotic scene erupted at Khwairamband Keithel when women vendors of temporary market sheds and streets vendors rose up separately and disrupted normal business today.
The two groups stormed the IMC premises by shouting various slogans.
The situation subsided when IMC chairperson Ranisana assured the vendors to settle the matter in consultation with the CM tomorrow.
Women vendors of temporary market-sheds rose up in protest against the government's inaction on street vendors occupying the streets nearby the market-sheds while on the other hand the street vendors raised their voices against government plans to provide space at the Lamphel shopping complex.
Licenced vendors alleged that their business have been sharply affected by the street vendors who sell their wares on the streets on the streets.
On the other hand, the street vendors have protested the cabinet's decision of providing seats at the Lamphel shopping complex.
They said there will be no one to buy their wares in that area.
They alleged the government's move is tantamount to snatching the livelihood of the poor vendors.
President of Khwairamband Bazar Street Vendors's Yaipha Lup, Y Rita said that the commotion erupted when licenced vendors in the temporary sheds came out and started evicting the street vendors around 11 am.
Regarding the occupation of footpaths of the city area by the street vendors, she clarified that they too did not want to cause any traffic problems but that the government has not been able to translate its assurances to provide proper places for them.
If government has taken a decision to allot seats to both licenced vendors and street vendors, they will not object the government's decision.
A cabinet meeting of SPF government yesterday decided to implement a strict norm to prevent occupation of footpaths of the crowded city areas by street vendors in a move to reduce traffic congestion and free the street from vendors with effect from May 2 .