Mangaluru Street Vendors Stage Protest Against Bulldozing of Petty Shops
In a significant demonstration of dissent, street vendors in Mangaluru organized a protest near Thokkottu Junction on Friday. The event was spearheaded by the Ullal taluk committee of the Dakshina Kannada District Street Vendors Association, which is affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU). The primary grievance driving the protest was the recent operation by the public works department that involved bulldozing numerous petty shops spanning from Thokkottu to Natekal.
Widespread Participation and Leadership Criticism
The protest saw active participation from vendors hailing from various localities, including Thokkottu, Kuthar, Deralakatte, Natekal, Kotekar, and Talapady. Sunil Kumar Bajal, the CITU Dakshina Kannada district general secretary, inaugurated the protest and delivered a scathing critique of the bulldozing actions. He openly questioned whether the government's targeting of impoverished street vendors could be considered an achievement, highlighting the perceived injustice in the treatment of the poor.
BK Imthiyaz, the honorary president of the association, elaborated on the systemic failures affecting street vendors. He pointed out that existing laws designed to protect street vendors have proven largely ineffective across the country. "The bulldozer attack on the poor does not reflect well on the government," Imthiyaz stated, emphasizing that vendors are prepared to confront the oppression allegedly perpetrated by corrupt departments. He attributed such harsh actions to the absence of proper surveys by local bodies, which has denied vendors their legally entitled rights.
Additional Voices and Announcement of Future Actions
The protest also featured speeches from other notable figures, including senior farmer leader Krishnappa Salian, DYFI taluk secretary Rizwan Harekala, and association president Muzaffar Ahmad. Their contributions underscored the broad support for the vendors' cause and the collective demand for accountability.
In response to the alleged harassment by various departments, a convention has been scheduled for February 17 at 10 a.m. at the Munnur Youth Club Hall in Kuthar. This gathering aims to address critical issues such as street vendor surveys, the distribution of identification cards, access to PM SVANidhi loans, training programs, and other pertinent matters. Imthiyaz revealed that a delegation has been actively encouraging vendors to persist in their trade while consulting on strategic next steps in their ongoing struggle. He issued a stern warning, indicating that further protests will be organized if the crackdown on street vendors continues unabated.
