Shillong, Aug 14: Hawkers under the Meghalaya and Greater Shillong Progressive Hawkers and Street Vendors’ Association (MGSPHSVA) today decided to suspend their sit-in in Khyndailad in order to prepare their case for claims and objections hearing that will take place on August 22.
Today was the sixth day that hawkers who have yet to receive a Certificate of Vending (CoV) from the Provisional Town Vending Committee and Shillong Municipal Board held a demonstration in Khyndailad along with their supporters.
The MGSPHSVA insists that several genuine hawkers have been denied a CoV, which has put great strain on their ability to earn for their families, while others who the association claims are not genuine hawkers have received CoVs.
The demonstrators moved the protest into the MUDA parking lot exit during heavy rainfall in the afternoon but came out again to the main Khyndailad area when the weather improved. There was a heavy police presence but the authorities ultimately did not interfere.
As the rain came down again and darkness approached, news arrived about the hearing and the hawkers’ body decided to suspend the sit-in “and prepare for August 22 to ensure genuine hawkers are finally given their rightful place to vend,” MGSPHSVA adviser Angela Rangad said on social media.
