Shillong: Tension boiled over on Jail Road this past Thursday evening. Police and Shillong Municipal Board workers moved in to clear pedestrian paths of street vendors. The city drive aimed to stop roadside sales from blocking commuters.
Officers began seizing fish baskets and personal gear. The hawkers fought to keep their property. Pushing and shoving broke out between the vendors and security teams. A heated verbal argument followed the scuffle.
Security forces remain stationed along the road where vending is now prohibited. The government previously pushed through relocations at Polo Market, Laitumkhrah, and Khyndai Lad. Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar said the state is slowing down the process to ensure new sites actually work for the traders.
Dhar told reporters, "We have to find out first where we can put them. The hawkers are our own people. I cannot randomly relocate them to places which are not suitable. If they fall sick, I will be blamed."
Officials are still weighing options for a site near the Iewduh parking lot. While the government flagged the spot, they have not finalized the deal. Dhar insists that moving people without a clear market for their goods serves no purpose.
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