SVAN members interact with street vendors and hawkers during the inspection in Dimapur.
Dimapur, October 6 (MExN): The Street Vendors Association Nagaland (SVAN) has cautioned street vendors and hawkers operating in Dimapur against conducting business during Sunday morning worship hours, stating that violations could invite fines and other enforcement action.
A press release from SVAN said that it conducted an internal survey across several commercial areas from around 4:30 am on Sunday and found that “numerous hawkers and vendors were arriving from neighbouring Assam and starting business activities.”
The association identified Durga Mandir, Netaji Colony, Marwaripati, New Market, Supermarket, Railway Bazaar, Hazipark (Hongkong Market) and the Blue Hill Station area as locations where such activities were reported.
SVAN said Nagaland being a “Christian state, Christian religious observances should likewise be respected, particularly during Sunday morning worship hours,” while adding that the association recognises and respects all faiths. It warned that vendors violating applicable directives could face enforcement action in coordination with local authorities, including “substantial fines” for violations.
SVAN also pointed to guidelines and exemptions issued by various colony councils and the Municipal Council concerning essential commodities. According to the association, local vendors selling essential perishable food items may operate on Sundays after 12 noon, subject to applicable requirements. “All other general commercial vending, hawking, and roadside stalls must remain closed during the restricted worship hours,” it stated.
The association urged local and visiting vendors to comply with the directive, warning of possible enforcement action, confiscation of goods or financial penalties for violations. It also sought the cooperation of colony councils, organisations and the public in maintaining “peace, order, and the socio-religious decorum of the community.”
