Lucknow: Traffic chaos ensued on Sunday as Kashmiri vendors were forcibly removed from Gandhi Setu in Gomtinagar by Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) staff. The scuffle between the vendors, who were selling dry fruits, and the LMC staff led to the dry fruits being scattered on the road. Videos of the incident went viral on social media, showing the vendors being slapped and bundled into vehicles.
LMC officials later clarified that the confrontation was part of an anti-encroachment drive for VIP movement. However, the vendors claimed that they were already in the process of removing their stalls when the LMC staff started throwing their dry fruits. The vendors also alleged that they were pushed and directed to leave the spot immediately.
The deputy commissioner of police (DCP), east, Ashish Srivastava, explained that the stretch between 1090 to Samta Mulak is a VIP road, and the LMC carries out regular anti-encroachment drives there due to the movement of VIPs. Srivastava further stated that the vendors misbehaved with the LMC staff, prompting the police to intervene. The vendors were eventually taken to the police station and fined under Section 151 of the CrPc. They were also instructed not to set up their stalls on this stretch in the future.
In response, the Kashmiri vendors refuted the charges, asserting that they had been selling dry fruits in the area for over a decade without any previous incidents. Akash Singh, the LMC officer of zone four, argued that the vendors had received warnings to clear the area as it was designated a ‘no-vending zone’.
The incident raises concerns about the treatment of these vendors, who claim to have been operating in the area for years without any issues. It also highlights the challenges faced by both the LMC and the police in managing encroachment on VIP roads to ensure smooth movement for important dignitaries.
The clash between the Kashmiri vendors and the LMC staff has drawn significant attention on social media, sparking a debate on the rights of street vendors and the enforcement of anti-encroachment measures. As authorities investigate the incident, it remains to be seen whether there will be any resolution or compromise for the affected vendors in Gomtinagar.
The incident serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics involved in managing public spaces and the importance of considering the needs of different stakeholders. Both the LMC and the police must strike a balance between maintaining order and respecting the rights of street vendors. As the situation develops, it is crucial that all parties involved work towards a fair and equitable solution.
The altercation on Gandhi Setu will undoubtedly contribute to ongoing discussions regarding the regulation of street vending and the rights of vendors in public spaces throughout the city.
