Street Vendors’ Union Launches Indefinite Protest Against Shimla Municipal Corporation

Shimla, November 5 — The Street Vendors’ Union (Tahbazari Union), under the banner of CITU, has announced an indefinite strike at the Mayor’s office in protest against the Shimla Municipal Corporation’s actions against street vendors.

Union members alleged that the civic body has been evicting vendors and confiscating their goods, leaving many without livelihoods.

CITU State President Vijender Mehra accused the Municipal Commissioner of unfairly imposing fines and seizing goods, saying such actions directly violate the Supreme Court’s directive to rehabilitate street vendors. He added that the Street Vendors Act is being ignored and that vendors are not being allotted designated spaces to operate.

“We will not tolerate this high-handedness,” Mehra said. “Until the Mayor and Commissioner come forward for talks, we will continue our protest right here.”

The protest, which saw participation from several union members and local supporters, included slogans against the Municipal Corporation and calls for protection of vendors’ rights.

Protesters urged the local administration to engage in dialogue rather than resorting to punitive measures. The agitation has quickly become a major talking point across the city, with growing public support for the vendors’ cause.