Mehbooba comes to street vendors’ rescue in Jammu

JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Monday sought proper rehabilitation of street vendors in the Jammu city and adjoining areas while carrying out their relocation to ease traffic movement in the winter capital.

It may be stated here that IGP Traffic Basant Rath, posted to the traffic police department on February 9, had been acting tough against the street vendors including those with valid licenses. His harsh measures in recent times had come under sharp criticism and the families of affected vendors had hit the streets.

Chairing a meeting to review the beautification of city here, the CM directed identification of appropriate spots where the street vendors could be shifted so that their livelihood is not affected.

Mehbooba asked the district authorities to work out a mechanism whereby these street vendors could be properly rehabilitated. She fixed a deadline of one month during which she asked them to ensure availability of basic facilities so that the new spots become a customer attraction where the street vendors can operate without hassle.

VENDORS PROTEST ENTERS SIXTH DAY

The Rehdi-fadi Workers Union of Jammu (street vendors), continued their protest demonstrations here for the sixth day on Monday under the banner of Centre of Indian Trade Unions against the “draconian” move of the traffic police to remove Rehdifadis of poor vendors from the winter capital. A large number of street vendors staged protest demonstrations and raised slogans demanding restoration of their small-time business vends.