Shillong: Shillong officials plan to move vendors from GS Road and Motphran to a new site near the Iewduh parking lot. Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar confirmed the phased relocation effort on Monday. He insists the administration is streamlining commerce in busy hubs. Officers are currently finalizing the details.
Meanwhile, a separate deadline looms. Laitumkhrah vendors must move to the Dhankheti parking lot and Brightwell Bungalow compound by August 17. These traders are pushing back hard. They gathered outside the Shillong Municipal Board office to protest the move. Vendors argue the Brightwell site lacks customers. One seller warned, “If we are shifted there, who will come to buy from us? It will be impossible to earn a living.”
Protesters demand the immediate release of Certificates of Vending. They fear the designated spots are merely economic jungles. Near Jail Road, 45 vendors are fighting for their spot. Only 24 have received official certification, leaving 21 out in the cold. Hynniewtrep Jail Road Street Vendors Association president Clarissa Sohtun claims the board ignored requests for documentation. She alleged that relocation attempts began without formal notice on July 26.
The Jail Road group has a counterproposal. They want to operate after 5 p.m. to avoid blocking daytime foot traffic. They argue evening trade keeps the area safe from anti-social elements. Dhar met with the association on Tuesday. He promised to weigh their request after consulting the Urban Affairs Department. Vendors plan to stay put until they hear back from the government. They asked the board to halt all coercive action while talks continue.
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