BJP Meghalaya commends govt’s Hawker Relocation efforts, urges inclusive attention to Laitumkhrah 

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 23, 2025

The BJP Meghalaya has congratulated the state government for its proactive and innovative approach in addressing the long-standing challenge of street vendors’ right to livelihood versus public inconvenience. 

The recent decision to relocate hawkers from the Khyndailad area to the designated top floor of MUDA Parking Lot has been hailed as a milestone decision, reflecting the government’s commitment to inclusive governance and responsible urban planning.

The relocation not only opens up space for easy pedestrian movement and traffic flow in Khyndailad but also ensures that vendors can occupy an area that guarantees a secure, comfortable, and dignified way to run their business. 

However, the BJP Meghalaya has urged the government to extend similar solutions to the Laitumkhrah locality, where unregulated street vending has hampered mobility and compromised public safety.

The party has suggested that the government consider relocating street vendors of Laitumkhrah to the parking lot once the new market facilities become operational. Alternatively, the government could explore acquiring underutilized private properties within the area to establish a dedicated hawkers’ market.

“It is urged that the Government of Meghalaya extends similar solutions to the Laitumkhrah locality as a continuation of its balanced urban management drive. A viable option would be to relocate the street vendors of Laitumkhrah to the parking lot once the new market facilities become operational, something that residents of the locality are eagerly waiting for. Should the Government space prove inadequate, it is further recommended that the Government explores the acquisition of underutilized private properties within the area for the purpose of establishing a dedicated hawkers’ market,” BJP state general secretary Wankitbok Pohshna said in a statement issued on Monday.

“Ensuring equitable treatment for all localities not not only upholds the rights of street vendors but also restores smooth urban movement and enhances the overall aesthetics of Shillong’s urban landscape. People remain hopeful and fervently pray that the attention given to Khyndailad and the foresight shown is replicated in Laitumkhrah,” he added.