SHILLONG, Jan 24: A group of vendors staged a demonstration outside the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) office on Friday, voicing their concerns over the government’s plan to relocate them from Khyndai lad to designated vending zones.
The protest followed a recent notice issued by the SMB, stating that eligible street vendors from the Khyndai Lad area would be relocated to three identified vending zones starting February 7.
These designated zones include the basement of the MUDA Parking Lot, the front side of the MUDA Complex, and the parking lot opposite the SBI Main Branch.
Carrying placards and banners, the vendors demanded that their grievances be addressed.
Shane Thabah, secretary of the Meghalaya Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors Association (MGSPHSVA), criticised the lack of progress in the Town Vending Committee’s deliberations.
Thabah revealed that the association had sent a letter to the SMB on January 21, urging them to convene a meeting of the Town Vending Committee to discuss the relocation plan and related concerns.
He expressed disappointment over the delay, adding that the vendors would continue their demonstrations until the issue was resolved. The SMB’s notice also mentioned that the relocation plan aims to develop organised vending zones with basic amenities. According to the Board, the work on these zones is expected to be completed by the first week of February, with the relocation scheduled to begin on February 7. The process of issuing vending certificates commenced on January 15.
