SHILLONG, July 25: Adviser to the MDA-II government and East Shillong MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh on Saturday asserted that the state government has been addressing the issue of street hawkers in the Laitumkhrah area through due process, as she rejected suggestions that efforts to resolve the matter have made no progress.
Responding to concerns over the prolonged issue of hawkers occupying roads and public pathways in Laitumkhrah, Lyngdoh said it was incorrect to presume that the government was not taking the matter seriously. She maintained that the time taken to resolve the issue reflected the need to comply with legal provisions and avoid repeating mistakes from previous eviction drives.
Lyngdoh said the experience of earlier eviction exercises had demonstrated that decisions involving hawkers could not be taken lightly, particularly in view of laws protecting the rights of street vendors.
As a result, the government created a platform for consultations involving all stakeholders, including hawkers who have been served notices to relocate to designated vending sites that are suitable and convenient for the public.
Lyngdoh said the people of Laitumkhrah, the local Dorbar and the government had exercised patience throughout the process, adding that decisions had been taken only after following the prescribed legal procedures.
Noting that the courts have been involved, she said the same demonstrated that the matter was moving forward within the framework of the law.
Stressing that the government does not want conflict on the streets, Lyngdoh appealed to all stakeholders to comply with court directives and government orders, which, she said, have been issued in accordance with laws protecting the rights of hawkers.
She maintained that the government has not violated the rights of any vendor and has no intention of depriving anyone of their livelihood.
At the same time, she, while emphasising that the constitutional rights of residents of Laitumkhrah must also be respected, called for a balanced solution that safeguards both the livelihoods of hawkers and the public’s right to accessible roads and footpaths.
