A united body of hawker unions will protest against the recent violent attacks on hawkers in Mumbai by staging a dharna at Azad Maidan on November 29.
The dharna is being organised by Pheriwala Aekjut Sangharsh Samiti to condemn efforts by Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials, the police and activists of political parties to evict hawkers.
The hawkers’ unions that will be taking part in the protest include Janwadi Hawkers Sabha, Azad Hawkers Union, AITUC Hawkers Union, Republican Hawkers Union, Shahid Bhagtsingh Hawkers Union, Lohia Vichar Manch, Mulund Hawkers Sangh, and Jaihindustan Hawkers Union.
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Mahendra Singh of Janwadi Hawkers Sabha said, “Hawkers are an essential part of society. The fundamental rights to life is provided to hawkers too, but they are being treated as criminals.”
Congress Mumbai chief Sanjay Nirupam has also extended support to the protest. He said, “The issue is not about Marathis and non-Marathis. Hawkers are from all regions and languages. It should not be turned into an issue of regional conflict. Those who have been working for years should be acknowledged as legitimate hawkers.”
Representatives from the hawkers’ unions will be meeting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to demand the implementation of the Street Vendors Act.
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They will also demand that streets and areas where hawkers have been selling their wares for a long time be declared as hawking zones. They will request the Chief Minister to take action against those perpetrating violence against hawkers and withdraw the cases registered against hawkers who acted in self-defence.