Temporary market row: Street Vendors' Welfare Union cautions of fast-unto-death protest
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 21 2022:
Khwairamband Keithel Street Vendors' Welfare Union has accused certain individuals of physically assaulting members of the Union in connection with the temporary market row and called upon the State Government to address the issue.
Laitonjam Beda Devi, president, Khwairamband Keithel Street Vendors' Welfare Union made the above statement during a press conference held today at Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul.
Stating that the Union is a registered body officially recognised by the Imphal Municipal Corporation, she went on to claim that the order issued by the IMC on October 17 directing vendors to vend at the newly constructed shed at the Temporary Market in different shifts was not followed.
She alleged that on October 17 when members of the Union arrived at the site with their documents, they were not allowed to vend and were chased away by the police and other vendors.
Laitonjam Beda Devi further accused some 'self-styled leaders' of hiring goons to physically harass members of the Union including the secretary on a daily basis.
She then asserted that such a situation would not have materialised if the IMC had properly screened the vendors and accused the IMC of being biased.
In view of such dire circumstances, she called upon Chief Minister N Biren Singh, MAHUD Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and CSOs of the State to look into the matter.
Lastly, she cautioned that the Union will launch a fast-unto-death protest against the IMC if the relevant authorities fail to take any action.