GUWAHATI, Jan 7 � Around 450 traders of Machkhowa Vegetable Retailers� Development Association (MVRDA) have protested the manner in which the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has sought to relocate the vegetable market in another location.
In a press conference held near the market today, the association members informed that the GMC has started making loudspeaker announcements from yesterday about a decision to relocate the market in a plot at Paschim Boragaon, Gorchuk. According to them, the move undermines a Supreme Court order dated June 17, 2010 that mentions that the status quo has to be maintained after an appeal was made by one of the parties involved.
The association mentioned: �In view of the order dated 17-6-2010 passed by the Honorable Supreme Court all the parties are required to maintain status quo. So far the Paschim Boragaon/Garchuk is concerned, our Association, who are retail vegetable vendors, objected to it�.�
Prior to this, a case related to shifting the vegetable market was also in the Gauhati High Court, where an order was passed about establishing it in another place.
Apprehensive of the GMC�s initiative to evict the traders, the association today filed a First Information Report addressed to the Senior Superintendent of Police, Guwahati.
The association questioned the GMC initiative on the ground that it ignores the Supreme Court order and also because the location of the new market will bring an additional cost burden on consumers. The vendors had previously identified two alternative sites inside the city, but those plots could not be acquired.
It was further mentioned that the area where the retail market is proposed to be shifted already has a wholesale market, and it would not be possible to have a retail market in the same site.
Annoyed by the GMC�s initiative, the association plans to file a contempt case against GMC Commissioner Puru Gupta, Collector Dev Mishra and Circle Officer Pulok Mahanta. The vendors have decided to oppose any effort forcing them to relocate to a new place prior to a Supreme Court order on the issue.
