Mangaluru
The Dakshina Kannada District Street Vendors’ Surathkal Zone-level meeting in Surathkal, urged the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) to conduct a survey of all street vendors in the Surathkal zone-1 area and establish a separate town vending committee.
They have demanded the immediate issuance of ID cards to the 667 street vendors on the list, and to scientifically create street vending zones in Surathkal, that are friendly to both vendors and customers.
They demanded that the attacks and harassment of street vendors must be stopped, and that their right to livelihood must be protected.
Honorary President BK Imtiyaz, while inaugurating the meeting, condemned the violation of street vendors’ right to earn a living, calling Operation Tiger poorly planned and lacking clear vision. He pointed out that street vendors were not consulted when vending zones were declared, leading to unscientific zoning.
Imthiyaz stressed the importance of forming a town vending committee for over 100 street vendors in Surathkal, under the leadership of the Surathkal Zonal Commissioner. He demanded the immediate return of goods seized during the operation, compensation for any damaged items, and that street vendors be allowed to continue their business until proper vending zones are established.
District Committee General Secretary RS Santosh and President Muzaffar Ahmed also addressed the gathering, supporting the demand for an organised and fair approach to street vending.
