Eviction drive need of the hour
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: April 23, 2025 -

THE incident in a locality under Khangabok assembly segment in Thoubal district on Monday has rung out a clear message that government authorities must initiate prompt action against encroachment in public spaces instead of living under the impression that vigilance of residents and local organisations would deter individuals from attempting to stealthily expand the land plot.

While it is likely that the violence arising out of the land row would land in the court of law in case the plot owner and the locals involved in the incident do not reach a mutual agreement and settle the matter amicably, government authorities should not rest assured that similar incidents wouldn't recur.

Along with the rapid growth of population in urban and semi-urban areas across the state, the price of land plot in both residential and commercial pockets has risen sharply, consequently necessitating the land owners to properly demarcate the homestead land to avert ownership disputes in the future.

However, case files related to land disputes pilling up in different courts awaiting settlement underscore that land demarcation process is not only a controversial issue in the state but the legal practitioners also are facing a tough challenge in delivering justice to their clients, including many unwilling to part with even an inch of their land, either acquired legitimately or through fraudulent means.

Similar disturbing aspect of encroaching in public spaces is also widespread in commercial areas where every shop-owner has the tendency to occupy footpath to display their wares despite crackdowns launched by the police periodically.

A cursory glance around the Imphal capital city would make it crystal clear that encroachment by shopkeepers and hawkers in main markets, squares, and lanes has been increasing day by day.

As a result, walking, let alone driving, has become difficult in the city markets, where both the permanent traders and street vendors, who depend on their trade for their livelihood, encroach upon the designated no-vending zones near every busy market, causing traffic disruptions.

As such it is imperative that the government authorities strike a balance between public order, fair business practices, and the economic vulnerability of encroacher vendors.

Accepted that street vendors are an integral part of urban economies around the world, providing easy access to a wide range of goods and services in public spaces, obstructing movement of pedestrians and motorists is uncalled for.

Hence, similar to the eviction drives carried out on Monday along the Nambul river bank in between Keishampat and Keishamthong, among other areas, under Imphal West district, the government should do the needful at the earliest possible to prevent unethical trade practices, before the public take their own course of action.

For now, eviction drives and dismantling of unauthorised structures carried out under the supervision of Imphal West deputy commissioner prioritised low-laying residential pockets to prevent occurrence of flash flood whenever there rainfall lasting a day or two.

As such, in addition to preventing encroachment on the national, state and inter-district highways, authorities concerned should ensure that there is smooth traffic flow and public safety in the market places as well.