As announced earlier, the Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) has begun an eviction drive across various parts of the city to clear encroachments. 

The operation started in the early hours today, covering areas from Battala to the Post Office, Hariganga Basak Road, and Shakuntala Road. Footpaths and roadside shops allegedly set up illegally were demolished as part of the drive.

However, the eviction has pushed many small traders into severe distress. Several vendors claimed that despite possessing valid vending licenses, their stalls were demolished by the municipal authorities. The drive has drawn sharp criticism from the Mazdoor Monitoring Cell, which condemned the action as unjust and insensitive.

According to AMC officials, the eviction drive aims to clear illegally occupied spaces and will continue in phases to make the city traffic-free and cleaner. Mayor Dipak Majumder stated that multiple steps are being taken to develop Agartala into a modern city with improved civic amenities. He said the administration had received numerous complaints regarding traffic congestion and public inconvenience caused by illegal businesses and footpath encroachments, prompting the action.

The Mayor further added that illegal occupation of footpaths, random parking of vehicles and bikes, and unauthorized vending in key areas were major reasons behind frequent traffic jams. He clarified that only vendors with valid licenses would be allowed to conduct business and warned that similar drives would continue in the coming days.

Speaking to the media, Mayor Majumder also announced that parking on covered drains or along roadsides would no longer be permitted. Vehicles parked indiscriminately would face legal action. Roadside business activities would strictly require a valid vending license, he added.

Meanwhile, the eviction drive has left many small traders devastated. Several vendors who used to run their businesses along with their families on the streets are now facing an uncertain future. During the operation, many were seen breaking down in tears, creating an emotional atmosphere in the area. Hawkers alleged that their stalls were demolished without proper verification, even though they held valid vending licenses, and no alternative arrangements were provided.

Condemning the eviction, Mazdoor Monitoring Cell President Dipak Kar addressed a press conference and strongly criticized the municipal corporation. He termed the drive a “grave injustice” against poor families dependent on daily earnings for survival. Kar alleged that despite having licenses, shops run by hawkers were bulldozed without notice.

He further stated that the Mazdoor Monitoring Cell has been working for years to safeguard the rights of hawkers and small traders in the state. Kar argued that the AMC should have consulted the organization before taking such a decision, which could have helped resolve the situation through dialogue. Instead, he claimed, the late-night eviction drive humiliated both the organization and the hawkers.