The Darjeeling District Trinamool Congress (TMC) held a protest march in Siliguri on Monday to oppose the ongoing railway eviction drive targeting local hawkers and small business owners. The party submitted a formal memorandum to the Assistant Divisional Railway Manager (ADRM) office, seeking immediate relief and rehabilitation for the affected individuals whose livelihoods are at stake.
- Protest location: Rally started from the Railway Institute ground and moved through various city areas.
- Key demand: Immediate rehabilitation and alternative space for displaced hawkers.
- Delegation: Led by Darjeeling District TMC President Kuntal Roy and former Siliguri Mayor Gautam Deb.
- Core concern: Ensuring the livelihood of small traders who have operated on railway land for years.
Focus on Rehabilitation and Dialogue
During the protest, TMC leaders expressed strong concerns regarding the sudden displacement of traders. Darjeeling District TMC President Kuntal Roy emphasized that while the railway has the right to manage its land, it must consider the human impact of these actions. He stated that the families who have depended on these small businesses for years are now facing a severe financial crisis.
The party representatives urged railway authorities to adopt a more humanitarian approach. They argued that any eviction process should be preceded by constructive dialogue with the affected stakeholders to find a viable solution that does not leave them destitute. The memorandum specifically requests that the authorities arrange for alternative designated spaces where these small-scale vendors can continue their business activities without the constant threat of eviction.
Community Participation
The protest saw significant participation from local party workers, supporters, and several ward councilors who joined the march to show their solidarity with the vendors. The rally proceeded peacefully from the Railway Institute ground to the ADRM office, where the memorandum was officially handed over to the railway officials. As of now, the affected hawkers are awaiting a formal response from the railway administration regarding the proposed rehabilitation plans. The incident highlights the ongoing tension between railway infrastructure development and the socio-economic needs of local communities operating near station premises.