Dharna of Jalalabad vegetable vendors against shifting to new site enters 19th day

The dharna by vegetable vendors in Jalalabad town of Fazilka district entered the 19th day today. On the occasion of Diwali, as a protest, they have decided to sell vegetables while sitting on the ground as their handcarts (rehris) were confiscated by the administration last week.

The protest is being held by Vegetable Rehri Union, CPI and Bhartiya Kisan Union. Hundreds of activists used to participate in the dharna daily against the shifting of the vegetable market to a new location.

Surinder Singh, president of Vegetable Rehri Union, said that during Diwali, poor vendors are being forced to face financial hardship. So, due to the indifferent attitude of the administration, they would sell vegetable and fruits while sitting on the ground.

CPI leader Parmjit Singh Dhaban has warned that if the administration took any action against the vendors and tried to remove them from the old market, it would have to face the anger of the activists.

The vendors have been protesting the shifting of the vegetable market to a new location, pleading that their livelihood would be adversely affected after shifting to the new market situated on the outskirts of the town. The vendors said that their present location ensures easy access to regular customers while the new site is far from the market and residential areas.

They have urged the market committee authorities to revoke the decision and allow them to continue selling vegetables from their present location.

According to official sources, the new vegetable and fruit market has been constructed at a cost of Rs 3 crore.