Agartala, Tripura, February 27 (HBTV): In a large-scale eviction drive, the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) demolished more than 100 shops at Lake Chowmuhani market on Thursday as part of its anti-encroachment and market renovation plan.   

The drive, which began at dawn and continued until noon, left many vendors in distress. Some had been running businesses there for generations and expressed their anguish over the sudden action. 

A vendor lamented, “My father ran this shop before me. I never imagined such a step would be taken without relocation.”   

Another tearfully added, “This shop was my only source of income. I don’t know how I’ll feed my family now.” One vendor even pleaded with folded hands before the Mayor, requesting temporary arrangements to sustain their trade. 

However, the administration defended its decision citing safety and hygiene concerns. Mayor Dipak Majumder explained that illegal constructions on the river embankment posed severe risks, including fire hazards and obstruction of the Katakhal Canal due to waste disposal.   

“We are renovating all AMC markets with better infrastructure, fire safety measures, and scientific waste disposal,” he said. He assured vendors that after clearing the debris, discussions would be held to find a solution. 

Opposition parties strongly condemned the eviction. Former chief minister and Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPIM) leader Manik Sarkar called it an “inhuman” attack on the poor.   

‘These vendors struggle to make ends meet. The AMC should have provided an alternative before the eviction,’ he said. The CPIM has announced a protest march against the action. 

Further, Congress leader Roy Barman alleged financial mismanagement, claiming he had raised objections when permanent structures were illegally built on the embankments.   

‘The real culprits who encroached the land and sold shops remain free while small vendors bear the losses,’ he said. 

While the AMC insists the drive was necessary for development, affected vendors await relief measures to sustain their livelihood.