Mapusa: Tension flared at the Mapusa municipal market on Sunday after vegetable vendors, who had earlier been asked by the Mapusa Municipal Council (MMC) to vacate the space near the Shakuntala statue, returned to resume their vending activity and were allegedly abused by MMC staff.
The vendors, mostly women selling locally grown vegetables, alleged that MMC staff attempted to forcefully evict them without any prior notice or proper explanation, and used inappropriate language during the action. A police complaint signed by the vendors has been lodged in connection with the incident.
“We were asked to vacate the space without any notice. We’ve been selling vegetables here for years and regularly pay sopos and garbage tax,” said a woman vendor.
As the confrontation escalated, several concerned citizens and social workers, including Vijay Bhike, Jitesh Kamat, Rahul Mhambre, Sanjay Barde, Yogesh Kelkar, and Sitesh More, rushed to the market in support of the vendors. They condemned the alleged verbal abuse and demanded strict action against the MMC staff involved. They also urged the authorities to make appropriate arrangements for the vendors who bring perishable produce and depend on the market for their livelihood.
Councillor Adv Shashank Narvekar assured the vendors that he would raise the issue with the MMC chief officer and seek to ensure that the staff member concerned is not deployed in the market. “I will ensure that vendors are not harassed further,” he said.
Chairman of the Market Committee, Sainath Raul, stated that if any MMC staff member is found to have used foul language, an inquiry will be conducted and appropriate action will be taken. “No one has the right to use such language,” Raul affirmed.
