Evicted Vendors Stage Demonstration For Rehabilitation In Odisha’s Puri

Puri: The roadside vendors, who were evicted for inauguration of Srimandir Parikrama project in Odisha’s Puri, on Friday staged a demonstration demanding their rehabilitation and promised assistance.

The vendors, led by Puri MLA Jayant Sarangi, said those who had opened their temporary stalls from Marichi Chhak to Market Chhak and Market Chhak to Hospital Chhak were evicted on December 25 for the event.

At the time, they were promised that they would be paid a compensation of Rs 15,000 each for the loss of business. But they have neither been paid the assistance nor allowed to reopen the shops, they alleged.

Sarangi said the vendors mostly depend on their business from roadside shops for their livelihood and look after their families. They should be allowed to reopen their shops since the inauguration is over, he added.

There was no need to evict the vendors from the Market Chhak to Hospital Chhak as most of visitors use Shree Setu and Shree Danda to reach the temple. “We do not want the vendors to open the stalls along the Bada Danda (Grand Road). They should be at least given space from Market square to Medical square,” he said.

The MLA further said since the vendors approached BJP seeking help, the party has decided to protect their interest. If the state government fails to take any step for their rehabilitation, the BJP will resort to mass agitation, he added.