By Tripura24 News Desk | Agartala Wednesday, February 4, 2026
AGARTALA: In response to the ongoing massive eviction drive launched by the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC), the All Tripura Nirman Shramik Samity and the Tripura Footpath Hawker Sangram Samity held a joint press conference at the Agartala Press Club today. The organizations collectively condemned the “forceful” removal of hawkers and demanded the immediate implementation of the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014.
Allegations of Legal Violations by AMC
Addressing the media, the leaders of the Sangram Samity alleged that the AMC’s current drive is in direct violation of central laws. They argued that according to the 2014 Act, no street vendor should be evicted without a proper town-wide survey and the issuance of vending certificates.
“We are not against the beautification of Agartala or the reduction of traffic. But you cannot snatch the plate of food from a poor man’s hand without providing an alternative. The law clearly states that vending zones must be established first, and vendors must be relocated—not simply thrown out. The AMC is acting like a dictator by ignoring the central act,” a spokesperson for the Hawker Sangram Samity stated.
Key Demands Raised:
- Implementation of 2014 Act: The associations demanded that the Tripura government formally implement the Street Vendors Act to protect livelihoods.
- Vending Zones First: They urged the AMC to pause the eviction drive until designated vending zones with basic amenities (water, electricity, and waste management) are fully operational.
- Return of Seized Goods: The leaders claimed that during the recent drives at Math Chowmuhani and Battala, the AMC Task Force damaged goods and seized materials. They demanded the immediate return of non-perishable items and compensation for damaged stock.
- Identification Survey: A fresh survey to identify genuine old-time hawkers to prevent “newcomers” from taking up space meant for those who have operated for decades.
Solidarity from Construction Workers
The All Tripura Nirman Shramik Samity extended its full support to the hawkers, noting that many families of construction laborers also depend on small-scale street vending for supplementary income. They warned that if the administration continues to “harass” the working class in the name of a “Smart City,” they would be forced to launch a state-wide democratic movement.
Proposed Agitation
The associations announced that if the AMC does not invite them for a formal dialogue within the next 72 hours, they will organize a ‘Maha-Michil’ (Grand Procession) toward the AMC Headquarters and the Secretariat.
While Mayor Dipak Majumder has maintained that the drive is essential for a “Smart Agartala,” the hawkers’ unions are now preparing for a legal battle, citing that “the right to livelihood is a fundamental right under Article 21.”
