Protest meeting / demonstration held at D.C. Office by street venders

30.04.10 Mangalore : The National Association of street vendors of India (NASVI) of Preet Vihar, New Delhi – 92 as the lead inspiration for D.K. street vendors union in Mangalore, D.K. Vegetable Producers and Head load Sellers Women’s co-op. Society and all supporting (left-leaning) unions, carried out a procession from Jyothi Circle to D.C office on Friday afternoon, in protest against injustice meted out to them, and demonstrated before on lookers in a meeting addressed by Raitha Sangah, CITU and PUCL leaders at the DCO gates.

Yadava Shetty told the audience that in cities, street vendors were provided with space in different zones, as in Mumbai and Delhi, but not in Mangalore. There cannot be one rule for rich traders and another for street sellers he quipped. The cities were there for all citizens, he added.

Muneer Katipalla of CITU, P.B. D’Sa PUCL, Humza Bengre of Backward Class Street Vendors Union and Abdul Lateef of D.K. Street Vendors Union spoke at the protest meeting. Abdul  Lateef welcomed the participants who came in a procession. Muneer Katipalla indicated that a prolonged and acute struggle only could produce results and protect local street vendors (including women) displaced by District authorities. P.B.D’Sa observed that in many large cities, street vendors had their separate unions to fight for their rights to live and prosper peacefully.

A memorandum was presented to the local authorities. A movement is proceeding to Bangalore from Port city where street vendors will demonstrate for their rights.