Licensed/street vendors in sparring mode
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 07 2014: A violent conflagration may broke out between licensed vendors of Purana Bazar, Khwairamband Market and street vendors occupying the adjacent streets if the Government does not intervene immediately.

With a firm determination not to give up their spots, street vendors have been vending wares on the streets of Purana Bazar.

On the other side, the Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Shinpham Amadi Shaktam Kanba Lup are resolute on keeping away streets vendors from the vicinity of Purana Bazar.

On June 29 last, a campaign to drive out street vendors from the vicinity of Purana Bazar was carried out resulting in a tense confrontation between street vendors and licensed vendors.

In the ensuing melee, one 70 year old street vendor sustained injuries and she was taken to RIMS.

Since then, the two groups have been confronting each other on daily basis.

According to the street vendors, the Government is not giving them any plots even though they have been earning their livelihood as street vendors for the past many years.

The Government should identify genuine street vendors of Khwairamband Keithel and give them a proper place for vending their wares.

Until and unless, the Govt does so, street vendors would continue vending goods on road sides.

Vending goods is a way of life and vending goods on road sides is not illegal.

Licensed vendors should highlight their grievances to the Government rather than trying to victimise street vendors.

On the other hand, Khwairamband Shinpham Amadi Shaktam Kanba Lup secretary Rani said that they have appealed to the Government to resolve the issue of street vendors but to no avail so far.

The whole business of Purana Bazar has failed because of the numerous street vendors who occupy the surrounding streets.

In the meantime, monthly tax of the licensed vendors has jumped to Rs 95.If the existing trend goes on for some more time, Purana Bazar may face complete closure.

Licensed vendors of Purana Bazar are no longer able to earn their daily bread.

That was why, a campaign to drive out the street vendors was launched, Rani said.

She also asked both the State Government and the Imphal Municipal Council should not do anything which may breed conflict between licensed vendors and street vendors.

In case the stand off results in any casualty, the Government should be held responsible.

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