Shimla: Lakkar Bazaar traders shut shops over street vending

The Lakkar Bazaar Traders Association on Tuesday staged a hunger strike against street vendors in the market and demanded that the Shimla Municipal Corporation (MC) immediately remove them from the area.

The traders kept the market closed in protest against the presence of the vendors and staged a hunger strike, during which they raised slogans against the corporation.

Addressing the protest, Papu, one of the traders, said the market was a heritage site in the city and allowing street vendors to set up small stalls not only affected its historical importance but also disrupted its day-to-day functioning.

He said the corporation should make separate arrangements for street vendors by allotting them space in designated vending zones and ensure that the market remained a non-vending zone.

He also said the corporation had removed street vendors from the market some time ago following the directions of the High Court. However, on Monday, a large number of street vendors under the banner of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) reached the market, set up stalls along the roadside and started their businesses.

“Despite the court’s orders, the setting up of temporary stalls again at the same location raises questions about the corporation. We are protesting to ensure order is maintained in the market and to prevent encroachments along the roadside,” he said.

The traders further warned of intensifying their agitation if the corporation failed to meet their demands. They also warned of blocking the road and not allowing any vehicles to pass, except ambulances, if the corporation did not accept their demands.