Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (VP)

Mangaluru, Aug 7: The Dakshina Kannada Street Traders Association, in collaboration with other like-minded associations, staged a massive protest against the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) on Wednesday, marching from PVS Circle to the MCC office. The protest was in response to the corporation's 'Operation Tiger', which the vendors claim has led to the harassment and demolition of their stalls.

BK Imtiyaz, president of the DK District Street Traders' Merit Association, accused the MCC of unconstitutional actions under 'Operation Tiger'. He alleged that association leaders were arrested, stalls seized, and damaged without prior notice or paperwork. Imtiyaz criticized mayor Sudheer Shetty Kannur for claiming ignorance of the issue, comparing the situation to the mayor's absence from the city. He also challenged the mayor's claims about street vendors selling alcohol, highlighting the presence of pubs and bars in the city.

K Yadav Shetty, president of the farmers' association, Mangaluru, expressed solidarity with the street vendors, emphasizing their long-standing presence in the city. He questioned the MCC's claims of hygiene concerns and dengue outbreaks, offering to facilitate the opening of a shop for the zonal commissioner or the mayor. Shetty highlighted the lack of support from the MCC, despite the presence of a Street Vending Committee.

Manjula Nayak, president of the Women's Association, condemned 'Operation Tiger' for causing hardship to street vendors. She appealed to MLA Vedavyas Kamath to provide alternative employment before raising slogans. Nayak accused the MCC of adopting an 'Uttar Pradesh Model' of governance and challenged the corporation to target hotels and illegal buildings if hygiene was a concern.

Santhosh Kumar Bajal, president of DYFI, expressed solidarity with the street vendors and criticized MLAs for raising irrelevant issues like dengue and malaria. He highlighted the contribution of street vendors to the city, citing the example of Padma Shri awardee Harekal Hajabba. Bajal accused the MLAs of neglecting the city's development and criticized the MCC for corruption and increased taxes.

In response, MCC commissioner Anand CL assured the protesters that their concerns would be addressed. He promised to create designated zones for street vendors and promised that no carts had been damaged during 'Operation Tiger'. The commissioner also announced the arrival of a team of specialists from Mysuru to assess the situation.

SDTU leaders asked to leave protest

Meanwhile, leaders of the Social Democratic Party of India (SDTU) were unexpectedly asked to leave a mega protest against 'Operation Tiger' organized by street vendors and allied associations.

SDTU state president Khader Farangipet expressed strong displeasure over the incident, stating, "We were invited to participate in this protest. It is shocking and unacceptable to be labelled as communal. The SDTU is not affiliated with any political party and had no intention of introducing politics into this protest. We were invited by Mohammad Mustafa, president of the Street Traders Association. Their decision to ask us to leave is insulting, and we are baffled by their reasons."