UDP slams State’s handling of hawker issue

SHILLONG: The UDP has hit out at the State government over the issue involving hawkers asserting that it could be addressed by the government if the representatives of the vendors were included in the recently constituted Town Vending Committee to ensure smooth compliance with the Court order.
Stating that the current invitation to register will open up doors for more vendors, Allantry Franklin Dkhar, UDP vice-president said that the Government should undertake micro planning by identifying areas that do not obstruct pedestrian traffic.
He mentioned in a statement, “The E K Mawlong led UDP government had secured transfer of defense land to civil authorities during its tenure for public usage which resulted in the establishment of parking lots in various parts of the city. One such area that was then under litigation, was the expansive area then popularly known as Bawri’s saw mill, next the present MUDA (near District Council office) Parking Lot. This space was then proposed to serve as a larger extension of the parking lot with provision for accommodating roadside vendors or hawkers.”
He added that the government could expeditiously acquire the said space, after which, the current hawking imbroglio will see some light at the end of the tunnel.