Hawkers’ Outcry: Emotional Standoff with Tourism Minister over Contentious Relocation in Shillong

A major conflict has erupted between street vendors in Meghalaya and Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh over the contentious issue of relocating hawkers from Khyndailad. Vendors have taken to late-night demonstrations to challenge the minister’s claims that consultations were held regarding their relocation, calling his statements “willfully misleading.”

The Meghalaya & Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors Association has strongly opposed Lyngdoh’s assertion of having involved vendors in discussions. They are demanding the proper enforcement of street vending laws by extending their operations until 11 pm on November 23. Activist Angela Rangad, representing the association, criticized the minister’s comments as false and indicative of a misunderstanding of legal frameworks. She emphasized that under the Street Vendors Act of 2014, heritage markets like Khyndailad cannot be designated as no-vending zones.

Minister Lyngdoh, however, contends that extensive consultations were conducted over the past year through a committee chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar. Despite these assertions, the vendor association claims they were excluded from all discussions. They argue that any decisions regarding vendor relocation must involve the Town Vending Committee, with at least 40% representation from elected street vendors.

In an unprecedented move, the association has offered to conduct training sessions for Minister Lyngdoh and other officials on street vending laws and urban design principles. They caution that any forced evictions could severely affect Shillong’s urban economy, where street vendors are integral to employment and revenue generation.

This ongoing dispute highlights the tension between governmental authorities and grassroots communities striving to protect their livelihoods and legal rights. As the situation develops, the emphasis remains on finding a solution that respects the economic contributions and legal protections of street vendors.

Original Story https://www.indiatodayne.in/meghalaya/story/meghalaya-hawkers-clash-with-tourism-minister-over-relocation-claims-in-shillong-1126104-2024-11-24?utm_source=rssfeed
Category :
Tags:
Publish Date: 2024-11-24 08:09:00