Mangaluru
The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), along with representatives of the Dakshina Kannada Street Vendors’ Association, staged a strong protest in Mangaluru against the recent clearance operations targeting the Sunday Bazaar near the Pura Bhavan area. The protest highlighted growing concerns among street vendors over repeated eviction drives carried out by civic authorities.
According to the protesters, the Sunday Bazaar has long served as an important source of livelihood for hundreds of small traders, daily wage workers, and marginal vendors. They argued that sudden clearance operations disrupt their only means of income and create economic uncertainty for already vulnerable families. The vendors also claimed that they were not given adequate prior notice or proper rehabilitation options before enforcement actions were taken.
CITU leaders addressing the gathering demanded that the Mangaluru City Corporation immediately stop all eviction activities until a structured consultation is held with vendor representatives. They emphasized that any urban development or regulation plan should include alternative vending zones and ensure that no family is left without livelihood support.
The protestors also pointed out that street vending is recognized under national policies, which require local bodies to protect vendors’ rights and provide designated vending spaces. They criticized the authorities for failing to implement these provisions effectively in the city.
A procession was held as part of the demonstration, culminating in the submission of a memorandum to civic officials. The memorandum urged the administration to preserve the Sunday Bazaar in its existing form or relocate it only after proper planning and consensus.
Police personnel were deployed in the area to maintain order during the protest. The civic authorities reportedly received the petition and assured that the matter would be examined. The issue has now drawn attention to the larger debate over balancing urban regulation with the protection of informal workers’ livelihoods in Mangaluru.