Mangaluru: Stalls of two disabled street vendors near the deputy commissioner’s office in Padil were allegedly demolished during the Operation Tiger eviction drive of the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) on Saturday.
Vendors' Plight
BK Imthiyaz, honorary president of the Dakshina Kannada Street Vendors Association (CITU), said that the flower stalls of Chandrahas and Sunitha, disabled street vendors who had been operating for the past 12 years on the road in front of the DC’s office near Padil, were demolished. Imthiyaz, who visited the place along with a delegation, assured them of support in their fight to resume their trade.
He said, "The city corporation commissioner and administrators claim that street vending is allowed only for those who hold ID cards and certificates. Yet, they are inhumanely attacking even disabled people who possess valid ID cards."
Chandrahas's Story
Chandrahas told media persons that he has 75% disability and has been selling flowers there for 12 years to support his family. "I hold a trade certificate and an identity card issued by the city corporation. They trampled on my right to livelihood by conducting this operation without providing any prior notice or making alternative arrangements," he said.
Sunitha's Story
Vendor Sunitha said, "I am a disabled widow who lost my husband to cancer. I was eking out a difficult living as a street vendor to secure my children's future. They have snatched away my livelihood and left me on the streets."
MCC's Response
Rekha J Shetty, zonal commissioner (in-charge), said that alternative arrangements will be made for the two disabled street vendors on humanitarian grounds. "We have evicted seven street vendors from the area as part of Operation Tiger. Since two of the vendors are disabled persons, we will allow them to conduct business using carts without creating nuisance to public," the officer added.
