Shillong, Nov 26: In the wake of the government move to relocate hawkers from the streets of Shillong as per a High Court order, deputy chief minister in-charge Urban Affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar on Tuesday assured the hawkers of protecting their interest.
“Hawkers are own people. I urge them not to be tensed…we will discuss and try to protect their interest,” he said.
His statement bears significance in the wake of the hawkers taking out a protest march to Shillong Municipal Board against an alleged government move to relocate them from Khyndailad and Motphran areas.
However, the minister said, the process of identifying places for relocation was still in progress.
The relocation of hawkers will take place in a phased manger starting with Khyndailad and Civil Hospital.
Asked as to when he would convene a meeting with the town vending committee, Dhar said, “Let’s see, now the festive season has come… we will see. Why should we rush?”
“As of now (relocation is) not postponed but they will be there as it is and when everything is finalised with the hawkers, we will take a call,” he said.
