Siliguri, 27th May: Tension gripped SF Road in Siliguri as members of the SF Road Traders Association staged a protest over the construction of a new food lane by the Siliguri Municipal Corporation, with stalls placed directly in front of permanent shops, causing disruptions to established businesses. On Monday, all businesses across the road were put on a temporary strike.
According to the aggrieved traders, Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb during a prior meeting had assured the traders that the construction of the food lane would not disrupt the permanently established business in the area. However, the food stalls have already been erected in front of several permanent shops. As a result, the traders joined the protest to resolve the issue.
In this regard, the traders expressed their frustration stating that the food stalls erected in the area have covered the permanent businesses in the area. Additionally, they cautioned a massive agitation if their grievances were not taken care of.
In response, Mayor Gautam Deb refuted the claims of stall placements, asserting that no such structures have been installed and that no such reports were made by the traders. He clarified that any temporary vendors encroaching on footpaths will be relocated, to ensure the uninterrupted operation of permanent traders