Vendors on hunger strike to protest curbs
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 22 2022: Demanding the government to revoke the imposition of Section 144 of CrPC in Temporary Market area of Khwairamband Keithel along with the order limiting the vending time from 6 am to 12 pm daily, six vendors have begun a hunger strike from Thursday.

The six vendors are Kh Ibeton (76) of Canchipur, Jano Begum (72) of Keikhu Awang Leikai, W Inaobi (70) of Chingamakha Ningthoujam Leikai, RK Sanamacha (72) of Nongmeibung Wangkheirakpam Leikai, RK Sorojini (70) of Narankonjin and L Ngangbi (62) of Khangabok Bamol Leikai.

In this regard, Road Side Street Vendor Welfare Association secretary Th Kifanmala recounted that the state government issued an order on November 16, following which the vendors started selling their goods from November 17 onwards.

Amidst the jubilation that the government finally realised the sufferings faced by street vendors for many years, the government issued another order on December 13 limiting the vending time from 6am to 12 pm (noon).

While the vendors expressed their dissatisfaction over the new order, the authority concerned issued another order on November 15, enforcing imposition of Section 144 of CrPC in the Temporary Market area, she recalled.

As the government's orders have put immense burden on the vendors who are earning barely Rs 50-100 a day but have to take care of their families, the six vendors decided to launch indefinite hunger strike.

In addition, preparations are being made to launch other forms of agitations as well, Kiranmala cautioned, and urged the government to allow the vendors to sell their wares as per the original set-up.

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