Mangaluru, Aug 18, 2023: The Dakshina Kannada and Udupi District Fair Traders Co-ordination Committee and DK District Street Vendors Welfare Association have urged the DK and Udupi district administrations as well as the Anti-Communal Wing to initiate action against those who try to prevent merchants from putting up their stalls at fair and festival venues.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Sunil Kumar Bajal, Honorary President of the Co-ordination Committee and B K Imtiyaz, Honorary President of the Street Vendors Welfare Association, said attempts are made to create communal hatred among traders during the fairs at shrines of different faiths. This has created a sense of insecurity among thousands of families who eke out a living by putting up stalls during fairs.

They demanded suitable protection to those undertaking business during fairs and added that any attempt to prevent them was tantamount to immoral policing. They warned of a legal fight if the authorities do not consider their demands.