Srinagar, Oct 26 (NVI): The National Loktantrik Party (NLP) on Monday opposed any move to displace street vendors in Lal Chowk here without providing them with alternative vending spaces.
Zahid Ahmad Haji, the party’s State Media Secretary, said street vending was a source of livelihood for several poor families and unemployed youth, and warned that removing vendors without making alternative arrangements could jeopardise their earnings.
Haji said many educated Kashmiri youth had taken up street vending to earn a living amid unemployment and urged the administration to establish designated vending zones before taking any action against them.
Reacting to a reported protest warning by Kashmir Sewa Sangh chief Firdaus Baba over the issue, Haji said the concerns of street vendors should be addressed through dialogue and practical arrangements.
He warned that the NLP would launch a peaceful protest if vendors were displaced without being provided suitable alternative spaces.
Haji urged the authorities to safeguard the livelihoods of street vendors and ensure that their right to earn an honest living was protected.—(NVI)
