Shillong Eviction Drive: Police Bazar to Become Pedestrian-Only Musical Zone, Certified Vendors Told to Relocate by July 22

Shillong Police Bazar: The eviction drive has triggered a storm of criticism from street vendors and members of the PTVC.

In an ambitious move to decongest Shillong’s city centre, the district administration has launched a sweeping eviction drive at Khyndailad, also known as Police Bazar. The operation targeted street vendors operating without valid Certificates of Vending (COVs), as the government pushes forward plans to transform the area into a pedestrian-friendly musical zone.

Officials confirmed that only vendors lacking valid vending certificates were removed from the area. Those holding valid COVs have been granted time until July 22 to relocate to designated vending zones. The authorities said the action is part of Khyndailad’s transition into a formal “No Vending Zone”, with the aim of easing traffic congestion, improving pedestrian movement, and enhancing the overall urban experience.

However, the eviction drive has triggered a storm of criticism from street vendors and members of the Provisional Town Vending Committee (PTVC). Alleging violations of legal procedures and human rights, the committee has termed the operation “unauthorised” and “illegal”.

Talking to Northeast Live, a PTVC representative said, “In 2016, we went to court because the Meghalaya government refused to implement the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014. Today’s evictions are a repeat of what we feared. Goods were taken without giving proper receipts. Even licensed vendors were not spared.”

The PTVC also claimed that it had not approved any such eviction. “We boycotted meetings on the 9th and 23rd. There was no decision to carry out an eviction like what was done today. This action is being carried out solely by the municipal authorities, without our consent,” a PTVC representative said.

Vendors have further accused officials of acting arbitrarily, stating that there was no transparency in the confiscation of goods. “When I asked why receipts were not being given, they started writing them there and then. This is not how a legal eviction is conducted,” a vendor alleged.

They also criticised the long-promised second list of eligible vendors, which authorities have failed to release for over a year. “It’s like cheating the people. There’s no clarity, no process, just harassment,” she added.

While the administration maintains that the move is essential for urban renewal and pedestrian safety, resistance from vendors and civic groups signals a deep divide. The PTVC has vowed to resist any further eviction attempts unless done within the legal framework and with due consultation.

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