Karnal MC shuts down Sunday market despite vendor protests

In a major anti-encroachment drive, the Karnal Municipal Corporation (MC), with the assistance of the traffic police, prevented the weekly Sunday market from being set up at the Karna Gate market.

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Despite strong opposition from street vendors, MC officials, including sanitary inspectors Mandeep Singh and Sandeep Kumar, along with their team and the traffic police, seized goods placed on roads and footpaths, confiscating items from 8 to 10 stalls.

The MC team, led by sanitary inspectors Mandeep Singh and Sandeep Kumar, began clearing the area early on Sunday morning. Steel barricades, display stands and shop furniture placed outside shops were removed.

According to officials, the operation followed repeated warnings issued across the market through loudspeaker announcements on Saturday and Sunday, clearly stating that items placed beyond shop boundaries would be confiscated and fines imposed.

“Our aim is to ensure smooth pedestrian and vehicle movement. We gave warnings to vendors through public announcements. Encroachment beyond shop limits cannot be tolerated,” said Inspector Mandeep Singh.

However, the action sparked strong protests from local street vendors, many of whom rely on the Sunday market for their livelihood. Several vendors expressed outrage, accusing the authorities of targeting the poor and denying them the right to earn.

“You talk about supporting small businesses. But instead of helping us, the MC is destroying our only source of income,” said a protesting vendor. The situation turned tense as scuffles broke out between protesting hawkers and police personnel. One vendor reportedly even threatened to commit suicide if denied space to operate.

“We are not asking for much, just let us use up to the yellow line. Do not push us off the streets completely,” said another vendor. “I am over 70 years old and cannot do any other work. I would have no option but to commit suicide if I am not allowed to set up my stall,” he added.

Despite opposition by the street vendors, the authorities stood firm on their enforcement drive. The once-vibrant market wore a deserted look by the afternoon, with a heavy police and municipal presence maintaining order. The incident has reignited debate in the city, with residents urging elected representatives to intervene and resolve the issue.