Seven street vendors detained
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, May 02 2011:
Police today detained at least seven leaders of street vendors for violating the strict norm against street vendors occupying footpaths, which had been enforced with effect from today.
With the enforcement of the norms, most of the vendors had shifted to Lamphel Super Market where the government has allotted them lots.
But street vendors rose up saying that most of the seats were found already occupied by women of nearby areas.
Most of the vendors said that they ended their business for the day without any sale proceeds.
A large contingent of police including women personnel were deployed in and around the market complex while the seats were being allocated.
At the same time police also conducted a drive against street vendors in the bazar area, particularly at the surroundings of the three women's market complexes.
Despite the strong police vigilance, some vendors were seen selling goods on the roadside along the BT road, underneath the fly-over.
Police had not given any disturbances to street vendors on the side of the BT flyover on the Uripok side.
For violating the restrictions, seven women street vendors were detained by the police.
They were Moirangthem Bina of Uripok, Soubam Bilashini of Heinoupokpi, Gulatlei Bibi of Sangai Yumpham, Irom Matou Leibi of Maibam Leikai, Khundrakpam Mema of Kwakeithel, L Ibeyaima of Lamshang and Sorokhaibam Bindya of Langthabal.
Demanding release of the seven women vendors a protest started at the temporary market shed from this evening.
Apart from demanding the unconditional release of the seven vendors, they are also demanding allocation of seats to them at the still unoccupied seats at temporary market shed.
A hunger strike will be launched from tomorrow, they announced.