Criticising the Delhi Police for the restrictions in and around India Gate, the National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI) has demanded that the popular ‘hangout place’ be opened and made accessible to visitors and street vendors till 11 p.m.
Terming the restrictions “ridiculous”, the Association said placing barricades and stopping people from accessing a particular area or landmark never makes any site safe.
The Association has also submitted a letter to the Delhi Police Commissioner in this regard.
In a statement issued here on Wednesday the street vendors’ body said, “The Delhi Police had restricted entry to India Gate with barricades and heavy police cordons following the anti-rape movement that had rocked the country a few months ago.”
“After the blasts in Hyderabad in February, the police had found another flimsy logic and continued the restrictions. Initially the police authorities had said the restrictions would be reviewed and the place would be opened.”
In the letter to the Police Commissioner the Association underscored that three months ago hawkers were allowed to vend till 11 p.m. around India Gate.
“For last three months they are not being allowed to vend after 4 p.m. It is hurting their livelihood and dampening the mood of visitors. Disturbing normal flow of visitors and vendors/hawkers who make city streets safer through their constant vigil can never be well intentioned and reasonable way to ward off security threats,” the letter stated.
