The Municipal Corporation enforcement team took action against Kashmiri youths and found them selling dry fruits on the tracks from Samatamulak to Gandhi Setu.
The Zone-4 team apprehended the youths and initially detained them, causing a stir in the area.
Reports suggest that a heated exchange ensued between the Kashmiri youths and the Municipal Corporation team before they were all taken into custody. Interestingly, bystanders who were shopping at the time rallied in support of the Kashmiri youth.
A dry fruit seller, Amir from Kashmir, stated that they come to Lucknow every year, however, this year the Municipal Corporation did not permit them to sell here, asserting, ‘”This is wrong; you cannot sell here.”
In response, they pointed out that this rule should apply to everyone, as some vendors continue their work as usual.
He emphasized, “We come here only for two to three months, hoping to earn a livelihood. We have families, and everyone knows the increased unemployment.”
Amir said, “We are only asking to be allowed to work here during these months. We don’t come here for work throughout the year.”
Every time, they confiscate our goods, and the vendors don’t know where they keep them.”We don’t feel like they consider us their own, despite being so. They desire Kashmir but have no concern for the Kashmiris.”
In Kashmir, thousands of people from outside set up stalls on footpaths without such incidents occurring. If any mistreatment happens there with outsiders, locals support them.
“Our concern is that if we had resources back home, we wouldn’t need to set up stalls on footpaths here. We plead with them to permit us to set up these stalls,” Amir said.
The Municipal Corporation defended its actions, citing the disruption caused to traffic flow on the bridge due to people stopping to shop, resulting in jams.
Consequently, a significant number of complaints were lodged regarding the traffic disturbance.
Tax Superintendent Vijay Shankar from Zone-4 clarified that the youths were caught illegally selling dry fruits along the Gomti Bridge and Samta Mool Chowk, contributing to the traffic disruption. The enforcement team, with police assistance, made efforts to clear the area and transport the youths along with their belongings.
After warnings were issued and a written commitment obtained from the Kashmiri youths not to set up their businesses in these locations in the future, their confiscated goods were returned to them under these conditions.
This incident has raised questions about the balance between commerce and public convenience, sparking discussions about appropriate vending locations and the rights of street vendors.