Mangaluru: Street vendors in Mangaluru staged a vigorous protest near the service bus stand on Friday to condemn the City Corporation’s “Operation Tiger,” aimed at evicting them from their stalls. The demonstrators also blocked the road near Clock Tower, voicing their discontent with the ongoing eviction efforts.
The protestors chanted slogans against the City Corporation, accusing the operation of being discriminatory. They claimed that while some vendors inside the service bus stand had been spared, others faced eviction. The vendors expressed frustration with Mayor’s actions, alleging that he was using the eviction drive as an excuse to go on a “study trip,” and criticized the MCC Commissioner for not halting the operation despite previous assurances.
The eviction drive, which has now extended into its fifth day, has intensified tensions between the vendors and the city authorities. Leaders of the Street Vendors Association, including B K Imtiyaz, Sunil Kumar Bajal, Mustafa, and Harish Poojary, actively participated in the protest, demanding fair treatment and an end to the drive.
Police intervened and detained several protestors but later released them. The situation remains tense as the vendors continue to push for a resolution and equitable treatment amidst the ongoing crackdown.