Siliguri, 20th May: On Monday, the All Bengal Trinamool Railway Hawkers Union, affiliated with INTTUC, staged a protest against alleged oppression of hawkers at the NJP railway station. The protestors marched from NJP station to the RPF office, where they submitted a memorandum outlining a five-point demand.
Reportedly, the memorandum accuses the railway police of long-term harassment, including arrests and fines, which have caused significant difficulties for the hawkers. Sujay Sarkar, President of the INTTUC New Jalpaiguri Branch, stated that hawkers have been earning their livelihood at NJP station for several years. He accused the BJP government of trying to displace the hawkers to benefit entrepreneurs and alleged that the railway police are acting in line with this agenda. Sarkar demanded immediate action against the ongoing harassment.
In response, Railway Police Officer Rajat Kundgir explained that the railways are conducting a special campaign to address illegal hawking. He emphasized that the campaign aims to prevent inconvenience to railway passengers and will continue as necessary to ensure a smooth experience for travelers.