Shillong, July 24, 2025: A major shift took place at Khyndai Lad on Wednesday as street vendors were cleared from the bustling market area and relocated to the MUDA Parking Lot by the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB), in a move aimed at beautification and streamlining urban spaces. However, the operation has been marred by protests and allegations of discrimination and lack of transparency in the issuance of Certificates of Verification (COVs) to vendors.
While the Municipal Department claims it has fulfilled its mandate to organise and beautify Khyndai Lad, tensions persist. Local vendors, particularly Khasi women, have accused both the SMB and the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority (MUDA) of favouring non-tribal vendors from outside the state over long-time local hawkers in the allotment of official trading licenses.
“It is very disheartening. The Municipal Board is issuing COVs to non-locals, while Khasi women who have worked here for many years get nothing,” said one of the vendors during a protest.
These concerns echo sentiments raised in previous demonstrations, where tribal vendors alleged that the verification process lacked fairness and clarity. A particularly contentious case involved a non-local businessman from Lum, reportedly granted a large shop space, despite being a new entrant to the market. In contrast, several Khasi women with decades of experience in the area remain without official recognition or space allocation.
This perceived injustice has triggered renewed protests, with vendors holding placards and calling for the revocation of discriminatory practices. Protesters are demanding a transparent, community-first approach in the issuance of COVs that prioritises local livelihood and cultural identity.
“If the truth doesn’t come out, there will be no trust left in the public administration,” said one of the protest leaders, voicing widespread dissatisfaction.
Despite their relocation to MUDA Parking Lot, many vendors say they have yet to receive a clear timeline or fair hearing regarding their application status. Their movement has drawn public attention and is being closely monitored by authorities, who now face mounting pressure to address the grievances and ensure equitable treatment of all vendors, particularly those from indigenous communities.
The situation remains tense, with calls growing louder for the government to institute an independent review mechanism for COV distribution and to protect the rights of local women vendors who form the backbone of Shillong’s informal economy.
