Newmai News Network
Imphal | February 6
Four policemen and three street vendors were injured in a clash that broke out at the market area of Imphal on Thursday.
The clash between the street vendors and police broke out after a scheduled meeting of the street vendors at GM Hall, Imphal was foiled by the police.
The street vendors are on agitating mode since the last two weeks after they were banned from selling their goods by the police following an order of the Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC).
IMC, in an order issued on January 16, directed the street vendors to vend their goods between 5 am and 9 am after 4 pm which received a strong objection from the street vendors.
Since the implementation of the order, there has been tussles between the street vendors and police almost every day. To discuss their plights and further course of protest against the IMC order, street vendors gathered themselves at GM Hall on Thursday. However, they became agitated when a large number of police was seen detailing at the GM Hall premises and restricted the street vendors from entering the premises.
As informed by the street vendors, they were prevented from entering the meeting venue saying that the administration has cancelled the permission given to them earlier to hold the meeting. The police further warned of using force if the street vendors do not leave the place immediately.
Unhappy with the attitude of the police, the street vendors marched towards Khwairamband Keithel and staged protest there by shouting various slogans.
As the street vendors started disturbing the normal business atmosphere in the market place, a large number of policemen rushed and lathi-charged them in a bid to bring the situation under control.
Instead of retreating, the street vendors confronted with the police, compelling the police to fire several rounds of mock bombs and tear gas shells.
Three women street vendors and four police personnel sustained injuries in the melee. They were rushed to RIMS hospital.
