Sunday vending row: SVAN defends fines on traders

Morung Express NewsDimapur | October 16Following public vitriol over the alleged collection of fines from street vendors on Sunday in Dimapur, the Street Vendors Association Nagaland (SVAN) on October 16 held that its enforcement drive was aimed at regulating vending during church service hours in compliance with municipal guidelines.The clarification came after the district administration reiterated that no private organisation holds the authority to levy fines or enforce business closures, stating that there is no standing order decreeing Sunday business closure. The Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) had also questioned the legitimacy of the association's penalty collections and its regulatory mandate.Addressing a press conference at their office in Dimapur, SVAN President Kughato Zhimo claimed that it acted in line with its constitution following complaints from residents and church bodies regarding street vending on Sundays. “Why we had to take steps on Sunday is because there is immense pressure from the churches and from the public on our office,” Zhimo said. He maintained that street vendors hold 40 percent representation on the Town Vending Committee headed by the Dimapur Municipal Council, stating that the association was merely complying with municipal and administrative directives restricting trade during church hours.Explaining the decision to penalise traders, SVAN vice president Shikiho Ayemi stated that the association conducted visits on two consecutive Sundays to inform vendors before resorting to monetary penalties. Ayemi justified that they had given prior notice against Sunday trade and had sent teams in the morning on two consecutive Sundays to informing vendors against opening until church services concluded. Vendors reportedly ignored the advisory compelling the association to resort to imposing penalty. He said that the first action was a verbal cautioning, the second was a fine and the third step will be terminating membership.SVAN general secretary Dr Subonglemba Aier stated that the drive was also prompted by reports of what he described as “self-styled bosses and various organisations” taking advantage of vendors on Sunday mornings. He said, “The main reason behind this is the exploitation of street vendors on Sundays. Various organizations take huge fines from these vendors, collecting Rs 500 to 1000 and running away. At the end of the day, the street vendors are the ones who suffer losses.”Responding to accusations of forced registration, Aier denied that vendors were being forced to sign up with SVAN. He said enrollment is necessary for vendors seeking access to welfare provisions, safety kits, and legal representation through the National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI). The SVAN said that street vendors facing unauthorised collections or harassment should report the matter directly to their office instead of succumbing to unsolicited demands.