Paul Lyngdoh flayed over remark on hawkers’ relocation by Nov 24
Shillong, Nov 23: Another old issue of Shillong – relocation of hawkers and street vendors – raised its ugly head in the form of a protest march on Friday.
They were opposing the government’s alleged move to relocate them, to be precise, by November 24 as stated by tourism minister Paul Lyngdoh.
The hawkers and street vendors, who carry out their business along the stretch of GS Road from Motphran to Khyndailad, took strong exception to the minister’s recent statement despite existence of a committee to look into the matter.
A delegation of the protesters, who marched to the office of Shillong Municipal Board (SMB), met SMB executive engineer FB Chyne to seek clarification on the Lyngdoh’s remark.
“SMB had no knowledge about the government move,” said Biiolin Pyrtuh, president of the Meghalaya & Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers’ and Street Vendors’ Association.
“We want him to know that if he (Paul) wants to become a hawker, he is welcome to do so. We would be happy to make space for him,”
“The minister had made the statement despite knowing fully well that there is a committee comprising hawkers and street vendors to look into this matter,” she said.
Terming “irresponsible” the minster’s statement, she said hawkers too are aware of the law and the minister should refrain from making such statements.
Allaying the hawkers’ fear, she said, “Hawkers should not have any fear but to trust us, who are members of the committee, as we will decide on the location for vending. We appeal to all hawkers to go back and continue with your livelihood activities,” she added.
Earlier, the minister had said the process of rehabilitating over 200 hawkers and street vendors would be completed soon as part of the government’s endeavour to make Khyndailad a pedestrian zone.
He also informed about identification of three places in Khyndailad area, including MTC (Meghalaya Transport Corporation) and MUDA (Meghalaya Urban Development Authority) buildings, to relocate the street vendors.
Meanwhile, the association also challenged “200 hawkers” as stated by the minister and claimed that over 5,000 hawkers and street vendors are registered with the association.
Moreover, the minister mentioned the date of relocation as November 24, which is Sunday, Pyruth wondered.
