Editor,
First of all, I would like to sincerely appreciate the steps taken by the Government in relocating street hawkers to a proper and designated space at the MUDA Complex. As pedestrians, we are truly grateful that we finally have the right to walk freely and safely on footpaths. Earlier, most of these public spaces were occupied by hawkers who, in the name of feeding their families, had completely overtaken sidewalks—causing major inconvenience and safety concerns for the general public.
The government has not only relocated them but has also provided significant financial support. Each eligible vendor received Rs 10,000 to help set up their business in the new location. In addition, the government is providing Rs 2,000 per month for a period of five months to help them sustain themselves until their shops become fully operational. I believe this is an extraordinary and compassionate move, and perhaps the best any Government has taken in recent years to balance public order and vendor welfare.
With this level of support, one must ask—what more do hawkers need? It is unreasonable for them to insist on setting up wherever foot traffic is high. Public spaces must be respected and shared fairly.
I would also like to urge the authorities to replicate this effort in other areas, especially in Laitumkhrah—from Police Point to the Fire Brigade junction and up to the Nazareth Hospital stretch. In this area, stalls are literally set up on the roads, and people sit right beside moving vehicles to eat puri and other street food. This poses serious safety risks and worsens the traffic congestion.
It is time we ensure public spaces serve the needs of all citizens—not just a few. The Government’s current initiative is a shining example of how thoughtful policy can make a real difference, and it should be extended to all parts of the city.
Yours etc,
P Majaw
Shillong-1
Appeal for justice & protection
Editor,
I write this letter with great pain and concern on behalf of the Marwari community of Shillong. The recent unfortunate incident that occurred outside the Economic Medical Hall in Police Bazar has left our community shocked and deeply disturbed. Not only has this incident targeted a respected member of our Singhania family, but it has also reopened old wounds of fear, discrimination, and helplessness that many of us have been quietly carrying for years.
Since the inception of the state of Meghalaya, non-tribal communities—especially the business community—have been the target of constant threats, harassment, and extortion by various groups such as the KSU, FKJGP, HYC, HITO, and others. Today, things have escalated to a level where we are even receiving direct threats from a banned organisation. This is extremely alarming and puts the lives and livelihoods of peace-loving citizens at serious risk.
We are proud contributors to the state’s economy and have always respected the culture and sentiments of the local people. Yet, we are being treated unfairly, with no sense of security or equal rights. Our shops, our families, and our very presence are often under threat.
We humbly request the Government and the law enforcement authorities to take serious note of this situation. We need immediate and visible police protection for our people and our establishments, especially in and around Police Bazar and other high-risk areas. We cannot continue to live in fear while doing honest work and serving the people of Meghalaya.
We would also like to express our full support to the Government’s recent actions against illegal hawkers in Police Bazar. These unauthorised encroachments not only cause disruption and congestion but often create flashpoints for such violence and lawlessness. It is time to reclaim public spaces and restore order, cleanliness, and safety in the heart of our city.
The Marwari community stands united and strong in condemning these acts of intimidation. We believe in peace, mutual respect, and the rule of law. We only ask for what is every citizen’s right—security, dignity, and justice.
Yours etc.,
V. Singhania
Via email
Desperate times call for desperate measures
Editor,
It was heartening to note that Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong has stated that the Government will act under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014. This marks a change in the government’s journey from attempting to impose an illegal law to acknowledging its adherence to the law. But then in the next sentence he says, “it matters little whether it is a Provisional Town Vending Committee (PTVC) or a full-fledged Town Vending Committee as long as it is operational”. These are contradictory statements.
Whether the TVC is full-fledged or provisional is a very critical matter. According to the CHAPTER VII, TOWN VENDING COMMITTEE section 22 (2) ‘Each Town Vending Committee shall consist of :- (d) the number of members representing the street vendors shall not be less than forty per cent who shall be elected by the street vendors themselves in such manner as may be prescribed’. The Act mandates the TVC include at least 40% (or more) hawker representation, elected by the hawkers themselves according to its provisions. This achieves two things: The process does not marginalize hawkers’ interests, and it is democratic, reflecting the principles of our Constitution. At the moment, no elections have taken place because the process of certification is not yet complete with objections still being redressed.
The Hawkers association claims that the licensing process has granted licenses to non-genuine hawkers while ignoring genuine ones. So, the provisional TVC does not adhere to the law. The statement that the Government is going to follow the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014, therefore is completely false. It looks likely that the issue will return to the court, most probably the Supreme Court. The case in the High Court took over 6 years. This time it might take over 10 years. So, the issue is again going to be pushed to the back burner to become someone else’s problem.
On a side note, one of the most iconic pictures of the entire eviction was of a hawker raising a sdie (axe) against the authorities who had come to evict her. A thousand years ago, a mother took up the wait (Khasi machete) to avenge the killing of her daughter. But when she could not find the killer, she flung herself from a cliff—from which emerged a waterfall whose beauty we all enjoy to this day. Today, another mother has raised a sdie to protect her children from starvation. What happens to her will speak volumes about the conscience of our society.
Yours etc.,
Bhogtoram Mawroh,
Via email