Mangaluru: Hundreds of street vendors gathered in front of the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) office on Thursday, demanding that traders operating at the popular Sunday Bazaar near Pura Bhavan be allowed to continue their business until an alternative location is officially arranged.
The protest was organised under the leadership of the Dakshina Kannada District Street Vendors’ Association affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU). Participants raised concerns over what they termed as attempts to displace long-standing vendors without providing a suitable rehabilitation plan, urging authorities to safeguard their livelihood rights.
Vendors seek protection under Street Vendors Act
Addressing the gathering, CITU general secretary Sunil Kumar Bajal criticised efforts to portray street vendors in a negative light. He stated that Sunday bazaars are a common feature in cities across India and play an important role in supporting both small traders and consumers.
According to Bajal, certain vested interests were attempting to create an impression that street vendors were causing problems, despite their contribution to the local economy. He stressed that vendors would remain united in opposing any move that threatens their livelihood.
He further warned that if authorities remove traders under pressure from influential groups without making proper alternative arrangements, the agitation would be intensified in the coming days. Bajal demanded that Sunday Bazaar activities continue near Pura Bhavan until a permanent and mutually acceptable solution is identified.
Consumers also depend on Sunday Bazaar, leaders say
Dakshina Kannada District Street Vendors’ Association honorary president B.K. Imtiyaz highlighted that the issue extends beyond the welfare of traders alone. He noted that thousands of consumers rely on the Sunday Bazaar for affordable goods and household necessities.
Imtiyaz urged civic authorities to implement decisions in accordance with the provisions of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act. He emphasised that any relocation process should be transparent, lawful and carried out only after consulting the affected vendors.
He also appealed to officials not to succumb to external pressure while addressing the matter and to ensure that the rights guaranteed to street vendors under the law are protected.
Procession held before demonstration
Prior to the protest at the MCC office, vendors and supporters took out a procession from Ballalbagh Circle to the corporation premises. The march drew participation from traders, labour union members and social activists who voiced support for the continuation of the Sunday Bazaar.
Several speakers expressed concern over the uncertainty faced by small traders whose daily income depends on market activities. They argued that any abrupt displacement could severely affect the economic stability of hundreds of families dependent on street vending.
DYFI district secretary Santosh Bajal and CITU district treasurer Yogish Jappinamogaru also addressed the protesters, reiterating the demand for a fair and practical solution that protects the interests of both traders and consumers.
Memorandum submitted to MCC
Following the demonstration, representatives of the association submitted a memorandum to MCC Deputy Commissioner Swamy A.L. The civic official received the delegation and listened to the grievances raised by the street vendors regarding the future of the Sunday Bazaar.
The memorandum sought permission for vendors to continue operating at the existing location until authorities identify and develop an alternative site suitable for market activities. Protesters maintained that relocation without adequate planning would create hardship for numerous families who rely on the weekly market for their livelihood.
Police personnel from the Barke Police Station were deployed at the venue and made adequate security arrangements to ensure that the demonstration proceeded peacefully.
Large turnout of vendors and supporters
The protest witnessed the participation of several office-bearers and members of the Street Vendors’ Association. Among those present were association president Muzaffar Ahmed, vice-presidents Hasan Kudroli, M.N. Shivappa and Abdul Khader, along with Hamza Mohammed, Vijay Jain, Sikander Beg, Naushad Kannur, Rafiq Pandeshwar, Mabel D’Souza, Doreswamy, Philomina D’Souza, Steny D’Souza, M.S. Moyiddin, Rafiq, Gadigappa, Syed Sadiq, Shivananda, Lakkamma, Selvaraj, Khaja Mohiyuddin, Jagadish Poojary, Guddappa, Tayyub Bengre, Manoj Urwa Store, Jagadish Bajal, Chandrashekar Rao, Mutturaj, Sabuddin and several others.
Conclusion
Mangaluru’s Sunday Bazaar remains a vital source of livelihood for hundreds of street vendors and an affordable shopping destination for local residents. As discussions over relocation continue, vendors have made it clear that they expect authorities to ensure a fair transition process in line with legal provisions and without disrupting their ability to earn a living. The response of the MCC in the coming weeks is likely to determine the future course of the ongoing agitation.