Imphal, October 12, 2009: Street vendors of Imphal have decided to appeal the government to frame a policy for the street vendors relating to the model street vendors protection of livelihood and regulation of street vending 2009. This was decided during a convention of the street vendors held today at Irawat Bhawan here under the aegis of Roadside Vendors' Welfare Association, Khwairamband Bazar.

The convention adopted seven resolutions.

The meeting adopted to demand the government to issue identity card to street vendors, to provide places for vendors while implementing city plan in Imphal, to appeal to the authority not to disperse the street vendors without prior information, to constitute a town vending committee by including representatives of street vendors in the IMC, to allot the temporary shed of Khwai Bazar to street vendors after shifting the present occupants to new markets, and to send two delegates of the state at the Street Vendors meeting to be held in Kolkata on October 20 and 21. The convention of the street vendors was graced by vice-president of All Manipur Nupi Marup, M Sakhi and general secretary of Manipur Keithel Nupi Marup, L Mema as the guest of honour and president respectively.

General Secretary of All India Trade Union, Manipur L Sotinkumar was the resource person.

Speaking on the occasion, L mema said it is very unfortunate that the state government comes to know the existence of street vendors only when some big festivals are approaching.

She said the exploitation of the poor by some rich people should be resisted.

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