Nagaland Vendor Groups Unite to Fight Extortion and Harassment

Kohima: Street Vendors Association Nagaland and Self Employed Women’s Association Nagaland joined forces on July 7, 2026. They met at Hotel Grand Tizu in Dimapur to take a stand. Both groups want an end to the extortion, harassment, and forced evictions plaguing local vendors. The problem is widespread.

SVAN president Kughato Zhimo and general secretary Dr. Subonglemba Aier sat down with SEWA president Atoli to map out a strategy. They plan to lean on the Street Vendors Act of 2019 to shield worker rights across the state. Officials say they will work closely with the Town Vending Committees in every district to ensure vendors get legal protections.

The organizations prioritize protecting the dignity of the state’s workforce. They are setting a clear goal for local authorities. According to the press release, the groups aim to "safeguard the welfare of street vendors across Nagaland." By coordinating with police and government officials, they hope to stop the intimidation tactics that currently threaten the livelihoods of women and vulnerable traders.