A section of the crowd at the meeting organised by the SVAN in Dimapur on June 25. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | June 25
The Street Vendors Association Nagaland (SVAN) said that it will initiate legal action, including filing police cases under relevant Acts of law for extortion, against individuals or organisations demanding unauthorised taxes from registered street vendors.
SVAN President Kughato Zhimo made the comment following a gathering of street vendors under the SVAN banner in Dimapur on June 25. The gathering was organised to assert street vendors’ stand against the extortion, harassment, and forceful eviction of street vendors, not only by government authorities but also by extra-constitutional entities. Zhimo told the media that Dimapur has an estimated 15,000-plus vendors, who have been “surviving and working without even knowing their own rights.” He said that the SVAN will assist registered vendors possessing valid municipal permits and vending IDs in filing complaints. “If they extort, and if the vendor is a proper registered vendor, they can go directly and file an FIR against them,” Zhimo said, while adding that the association will assist any aggrieved street vendor.
According to him, SVAN is currently working to expand legal protections registering more informal traders, including second-hand clothes traders. There are an estimated 500 unregistered second-hand clothes traders in Dimapur. The association is also incorporating daily wage earners who travel from neighboring Assam districts, such as Bokajan and Karbi Anglong, to sell goods in Dimapur. “They are also a part of our street vendors in Dimapur, Nagaland,” Zhimo said, noting that proper documentation is key to securing legal protection from harassment.
Earlier, speaking at the programme, BJP Dimapur Unit President Shekishe Achumi outlined the statutory protections available to informal traders. Achumi noted that the Street Vendors Act, 2014, and the Nagaland State Rules of May 2019 legally recognise street vending as a legitimate profession, establishing dedicated zones to manage urban space and shield vendors from unauthorised eviction and harassment.
“One thing we should remember is that street vending is also a way of life,” Achumi said. “It is also a part of many activities for our sustenance and livelihood. It is also like any other noble and decent jobs, provided we carry it out decently, diligently, and in a dignified manner keeping in mind integrity.” Achumi also pointed to financial assistance programs, such as the PM SVANidhi scheme, which offers credit facilities of up to Rs 50,000.
Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) Vice President Shikuto Sema said that the chamber has accepted the street vendors' association under its umbrella to help streamline their operations. “Our desire is that they work according to the rules and regulations. If they do that, it will be very good, and they have all our support,” Sema said.
