ITANAGAR, Sep 18: The team led by Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Talo Potom on Friday carried out eviction on the national highway between Itanagar-Naharlagun (NH 415) and demolished more than 36 vegetable vendors’ sheds.
A huge contingent of police and security forces was arranged for the purpose. The same team was part of the eviction drive that had been carried out on Wednesday and Thursday, as well. Vendors on both sides of the highway were evicted, from the Todo Hotel area to 6 Kilo, and several OBT structures were demolished.
Speaking to the media, Potom said: “I have been discussing with these street vendors since yesterday to vacate, but they are not abiding by the order. They were obstructing the highway work, due to which the administration has evicted them and the sheds have been demolished.”
“They not only obstructed us but also pelted stones at us, because of which 18 vendors have been taken into custody. However, as per the figure received by me, there are 36 vendors, and accordingly, I have arranged
space for them on the other side of the road for the purpose of running vegetable shops,” said Potom.
However, All Arunachal Pradesh Hawkers and Street Vendors Federation president Khyoda Yaji said it was injustice to the vendors. “We had a meeting with the deputy commissioner a few days ago, and we sought some time from him. But instead of giving time, he has evicted and demolished the structures. This was not at all welfare done to the poor street vendors,” Yaji said.
“Instead of arranging a permanent solution for the street vendors, who are mostly poor, widows and others supporting families, they have been displaced by the eviction. No one wants to sit in the hot sun and rain and even during winter, but it is money which is needed to run the family and children who are dependent on the vendors who direly need support from the capital administration and the state government,” Yaji said.
