Updated

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 31: In response to the relentless protest by street vendors against the "Operation Tiger" conducted by the city municipality, which allegedly targeted and destroyed the property of poor street vendors possessing municipal identity cards, MCC commissioner Anand C L finally arrived at his office. The commissioner announced the suspension of the operation and promised compensation for the confiscated and damaged goods, leading to the end of the protest.

B K Imtiaz warns of future protests if legal process is not followed

B K Imtiaz, honorary president of the Dakshina Kannada District Street Vendors Association, stated that despite the approval of ID cards for 667 street vendors by the town vending committee and their symbolic release by the district in-charge minister ten months ago, the distribution of these cards to the remaining vendors has been stalled. He warned that if all 667 vendors are not provided with their ID cards and if legal zones for their business are not established, further protests will be organized against any illegal actions targeting the vendors.

Key participants in discussion

The discussion included prominent figures such as Sunil Kumar Bajal, state president of the Karnataka State Street Vendors Federation, B K Imtiaz, social activist Manjula Nayak, president Mohammad Mustafa, general secretary Harish Poojary, and leaders Sridhar Bhandari, Shankar CS, Abdul Rahiman, Asif Bawa Urumane, Anil Kandakk, Gopal Kankanady, Gajanand, and Riyaz Elyarpadavu.

The street vendors had been protesting since morning in front of the commissioner’s office. Their demand was met when commissioner Anand C L arrived and announced the suspension of the Tiger Operation, ensuring that their seized goods would be returned and compensation would be provided for the losses incurred.

Earlier Report

Mangaluru: Street vendors protest 'Operation Tiger' at MCC building; demand halt, compensation

Daijiworld Media Network- Mangaluru (VP)

Mangaluru, Jul 30: The Dakshina Kannada Street Traders Association, joined by street vendors affected by 'Operation Tiger', held a peaceful protest on Tuesday, July 30, at the MCC Building in Mangaluru.

B K Imtiaz, president of the DK District Street Traders Merit Association, Mangaluru, condemned the operation, calling it unconstitutional and alleging that officials had violated the law.

He urged the MCC to stop using bulldozers, claiming that despite numerous appeals, demolitions of vendors' shops continued. Imtiaz questioned the legitimacy of the actions taken, recalling that MCC Commissioner C L Anand had previously promised that identity cards would be issued but now the assistant commissioner deemed those cards as invalid.

Imtiaz addressed MCC zonal commissioner Rekha Shetty directly, questioning her empathy and accusing officials of ignoring the vendors' concerns. "Aren't you human to understand the feelings of people? Today, we have waited since 10 am, and they are still not ready to talk to us. We demand compensation. There is now a dedicated law for street vendors, and we fought for their rights even before this law existed," he said.

He criticised the officials for misleading the public by claiming that petty shops sold alcohol and low-quality products, questioning why bars would purchase alcohol from such shops.

Imtiaz also accused the Congress government of allowing the demolition for political gain and labeled MCC commissioner C L Anand as corrupt, suggesting that he had mishandled the Smart City project and engaged in illegal activities. "Your bulldozers are harming poor people's property while ignoring wealthy individuals. Nearly 665 members work as street vendors, and we have issued ID cards only for those people. Until we receive answers to our questions, we will not stop. We are shocked that the Congress government is permitting this action," he added.

Sunil Kumar Bajal, former president of the DK District Street Traders Merit Association, also spoke, questioning the Mayor about who had complained against the vendors and why the Town Vending Committee was not consulted.

"Suddenly, they have brought bulldozers to destroy poor people’s property, ignoring issues like massage parlours and sand mafia. The people of Mangaluru should condemn this bulldozer action. Many social activists have gathered here to support these street vendors, and if 'Operation Tiger' is not stopped by tomorrow, we will hold a massive protest against the officials," Bajal said.

In response to media inquiries about tensions with tax-paying hotel owners, Imtiaz defended street vendors. "The hotel owners’ association members do not come to our meetings, and no wealthy person frequents fast food shops. If things were done properly, there would be a provision to collect tax from street vendors as well. The complaints from hotel owners are unfounded. Street vendors support the government and help the economy grow. For 13 years, the BJP government did nothing to help street vendors," he stated.

Addressing concerns about vacant vending zones, Imtiaz acknowledged the need for more designated areas but argued that the officials' actions made relocation difficult.

He criticized the unscientific arrangement of markets, particularly at State Bank, which now accommodates fewer vendors than before. He noted that despite court orders in 2020 and three cases filed against officials, no action had been taken. "The Supreme Court issued a statement that street vendors with identity cards should not be disturbed, yet 75-100 shops have been damaged in the city," he said.

Harish Poojary, Shankar, Shreedhar Bhandary, Manjula Nayak, and others were present at the protest.