Street vendors defiant as IMC continues drive
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 25 2022: Amidst the drives being carried out by Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC) to prevent street vendors from setting up shop in and around the markets in the city, many vendors continued to ply their wares around the main market complexes.

IMC, however, is planning to continue with the drive.

In the past few days, IMC officials along with police have been conducting drives to prevent street vendors from sitting on the road sides in the markets but whether the drives have been successful remains questionable.

Although the number of street vendors has gone down, many could be seen selling their goods around the commercial hub.

The drives were carried out the day after the IMC caretaker announced through media that trading slots for the street vendors would be allotted at Lamphel Supermarket complex, Sanakeithel.

However, the drives seem to be relatively unsuccessful.

Police were also seen not keen to drive away the street vendors sitting near the market and Pologround areas.

According to one of the street vendors, they have a difficult time in taking care of their families, especially young children.

There is almost zero business at Lamphel Sanakeithel.

The vendors then questioned whether the government would take responsibility if they, as women, were to take the wrong step just to survive.

As such, they urged the authorities concerned to allow them to sit near the market area.

Meanwhile, speaking to The People's Chronicle, IMC caretaker mayor L Lokeshwar asserted that the street vendors are not allowed to sit in their previous locations and the prohibition will stay in effect.

The police have been advised to take necessary action if they find any of the street vendors violating the prohibition order.

A clean Imphal will be of great benefit to the state, he said, and as such, appealed to the people for their cooperation in the matter.

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