Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Jun 30: Mangalore City Minority and Backward Classes Street Vendors Association has accused outfits owing allegiance to communist parties of enacting the drama of working to protect the interests of the street-side vendors, for sering their own political agenda.

“The forces under the instructions of communists, have been propping up even people who are not from Dakshina Kannada district, as street vendors, and enacting the farce of protest. The derogatory politics being played in the name of street vendors since some time by misusing democratic system needs to be condemned,” said Rahim Uchchil, honorary president of the association, addressing a press conference here on Wednesday June 29.

“We do not believe in goondaism. We have already approached authorities with a request to provide alternative facility to street vendors. The city has two kinds of vendors, street-side and footpath. The municipal operation has spared street vendors of harsh treatment, while taking stringent action against footpath vendors. It is true that Muslims, who form a majority of footpath vendors, are facing problems. At the same time, we respect the decision of the Corporation to lay emphasis on cleanliness and looks of the city. As such, from Friday this week, we will voluntarily stop trading on roadsides for ten days,” he said.

President of the association, Ahmed Jamal, secretary, Riaz Harekal, joint secretary, Rakesh Tokkottu, and Mohammed Ismail were present at the press conference.