Shillong, August 4: The Hynniewtrep Jail Road Street Vendors Association on Tuesday appealed to the Meghalaya Government not to relocate vegetable vendors operating along the Jail Road–Polo stretch, stating that hundreds of families depend on the trade for their livelihood.

A delegation of the association met Urban Affairs Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar at the Meghalaya Secretariat and urged the government to allow vendors to continue operating from their existing location.

The delegation was led by Association President Clarissa Jordana Sohtun and included Vice President Taralin Marwein, Secretary Sarlin Marwein, Assistant Secretary Ida Mary Sohtun, Auditor John Robert Kharkrang, and other members.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Clarissa Jordana Sohtun said the association requested the minister to consider the hardships that relocation would impose on vendors before taking any decision.

She said most of the vendors sell vegetables only during the evening hours and do not obstruct pedestrians or traffic. According to the association, the vendors have been carrying out their business responsibly while providing an essential source of income for their families.

“So many families are entirely dependent on street vending for their daily livelihood. We hope the government will adopt a humane approach and allow us to continue our business at the present location,” she said.

The association further urged the Urban Affairs Department to hold consultations with the vendors before implementing any relocation plan and to work towards a solution that balances public convenience with the protection of street vendors’ livelihoods.