City hawkers: KHM seeks government intervention

A REPORTER

SHILLONG, July 13: The Youth Wing of Khun Hynniewtrep tiol Awakening Movement (KHM), on Monday submitted a memorandum demanding immediate intervention of the State government to solve the hardships being faced by hawkers of the city.

The demand from the KHM Youth Wing came in view of the recent surprise eviction drive conducted by the Municipal Board on July 8 at Motphran area in which many goods were seized from the hawkers.

The memorandum submitted to the Urban Affairs Minister, Ampreen Lyngdoh stated that hawking being the oldest occupation in India by virtue of Article 19 (1) (g) every citizen has a right to carry out any lawful trade or business and the right to carry out trade is a fundamental right of hawkers but it does not mean that the street trading is a right as such without restrictions.

It also states that since hawkers are mostly from very poor or underprivileged families who carry out these small trades to support their families and it is well known that the right to life includes protection of means of livelihood and if not taken care of now, the situations will only become worst with the growing population and numbers of people coming to the city from outskirt for trade and business.

“The Numbers of Hawkers is growing in the State and will keep on increasing in years to come therefore, we suggest that a Hawkers Act be introduced to ensure that they are guided by law for the convenience of the general public at large,” KHM Youth Wing president Thomas Passah said.