Street vendors observe Anti-Eviction Day at Khwairamband Temporary Market
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 24 2025: Anti-Eviction Day was observed on Monday at the Khwairamband Temporary Market, Imphal, ina programme organised by the Road Side Vendors Welfare Association (RSVWA), Manipur.

The programme brought together members of the Road Side Vendors' Welfare Association, including the president Tama Devi; vice president M Premila Devi; general secretary Th Kiranmala; and Minority Muslim Women Vendors Welfare Association advisor Ima Jano Begum, who attended as presidium members.

Leaders of various streetvendor groups from across Imphal city were also present at the gathering.

Speaking at the occasion, Kshetri Tama expressed concern over the continued difficulties faced by street vendors due to the absence of a proper policy governing their welfare.

She pointed out that many vendors still lack social security and added that although street vendors once received loans under the PM Atma Nirbhar Nidhi Scheme, the assistance has since been discontinued, leaving many struggling to sustain their livelihood.

She further noted that restrictions along the highway have severely affected small traders who depend on interdistrict travel to conduct business, pushing many to the brink of despair.

Questioning the prolonged President's Rule in the State, she noted that the Meitei community remains barred from free movement at a time when the State economy is already at its weakest, with no viable route apart from air travel to connect with the rest of the country.

She described the situation as "a surprising and unfortunate reality" for Manipur.

Calling for intervention, she urged the Governor and the Chief Secretary to act on the sentiments of the people and restore free movement along the highway so that citizens may travel without fear.

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