Hawkers allege harassment

SHILLONG: The hawkers in the city have alleged harassment by authorities during the eviction drive following the high court order.
A hawker, identified as Kongrit Marwein who had set up a shop in Jail Road, said police arrested her during the drive. The police released her after a pastor intervened, said Marwein and added that though she was not kept in the cell she was made to wait inside the Sadar police station.
“I was treated like a thief and the police asked me to visit the court on Friday. When I went there, there was nothing,” she alleged.
Another hawker, Ainoda Marbaniang who was selling fish near Hotel Polo Towers on Thursday alleged that the authorities took away fish worth Rs 15,000.
Meanwhile, a group of hawkers from Jeep Stand, who were evicted on Friday by the SMB, approached the KHADC after the Syiem of Hima Mylliem told them he was unaware of the eviction drive.
Stating that the Syiem of Hima Mylliem refused to intervene despite receiving a daily fee of Rs 10, a hawker, Goldy Warjri told reporters, “We met EM Antonio War after the Syiem refused to meet us. The EM informed us that there will be a meeting between hawkers, traders from Iewduh and the Hima Mylliem on November 29.” He added that though the Hima Mylliem did not give them permission to set up shops in the area, the daily fee collected by it was perceived as an approval.