SHILLONG : Women street vendors at Jail Road in Shillong broke down in tears on Wednesday as officials from the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) arrived to remove their roadside stalls.
The vendors strongly opposed the eviction drive, insisting that they would not vacate the area unless the government first provides them with an alternative vending site, similar to the arrangements made for vendors in other parts of the city.
Several women vendors became emotional during the protest, saying they have been earning their livelihood at the location for many years and fear losing their only source of income.
The vendors said that without a proper rehabilitation plan, they would struggle to support their families, pay their children’s school fees and meet daily household expenses.
They appealed to the government to provide a suitable place for them to continue their business before carrying out any eviction.
The incident drew attention from passers-by as the vendors continued their protest, urging the authorities to consider the impact the eviction would have on their livelihoods.