Sit-ins protest eviction notice, extortion
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 11 2025: Street vendors in Khuman Lampak area staged sit-in protest against the eviction order issued by Imphal West DC, directing the removal of all temporary and permanent structures by Friday at 3 pm.

Speaking on the side lines of the sit-in held in front of ISBT Khuman Lampak on Friday, Ima Panthoibi Street Vendors' Union secretary Sapam Indira informed that the street vendors have been earning their livelihood in the said area for over 10 years.

When the then Congress government tried to evict them, the matter reached to Supreme Court which stayed the eviction order till proper trade facility was set up.

So, the eviction order issued by the Imphal West DC, is unreasonable, she reasoned.

The order has caused anxiety among street vendors who rely on meagre daily earnings for survival, she said and urged the government not to proceed with demolitions or evictions, stating that the vendors are ready to relocate once the government provides an alternative space to sustain their livelihood.

With President's Rule imposed in the state, there is no authority to whom they can appeal.

Will the President's Rule ensure their livelihood, she questioned.

All India Trade Union Congress general secretary L Sotinkumar also joined the appeal to the government not to evict street vendors who are striving to sustain their livelihoods, stressing that they have the right to earn a living.

He warned that if authorities attempt to forcibly remove them, he may be compelled to launch a suicide protest.

On the other-hand, shopkeepers in Olympian Shopping, Kabow Leikai near Khuman Lampak staged sit-in protest against unbearable monetary demands by different organisations.

Speaking on the sidelines of the protest held near ISBT on Friday, one Subasini pointed out that sales have dropped drastically due to the ongoing conflict.

There are days when not a single item gets sold, she said.

She expressed deep worry over the growing financial pressure, adding that the unreasonable monetary demands from certain organisations could force many shops to down shutters permanently.

Subasini appealed to organisations concerned to withdraw their demands and urged the government to look into the matter at the earliest.

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