the goan I network
MARGAO
Given that neither any municipal worker nor the men-in- uniform were spotted at the Comunidade building, virtually giving a free hand to the vendors to carry on their illegal business, it was the turn of the activists to crack a whip on the illegal vendors.
A group of activists led by Laurel Abranches and former MMC Chairperson Savio Coutinho descended at the Comunidade square and told the vendors to wind up their business.
They later told the media that the vendors have resurface with the blessings of vested interests and the sopo collectors.
Coutinho pointed out that if the municipality cannot crack a whip against the migrant vendors, the civic body should as well accommodate the vendors along the MMC building passage.
"Vested interests are giving protection to the migrant vendors. We will not allow this to take place. If the MMC cannot control, Goan people will patrol the footpath and keep the vendors at bay," Coutinho added. It was only after the vendors began to lift away their goods that personnel of the Margao police made their appearance felt at the square.
Activists crack whip on illegal biz in Margao
Margao Municipal Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes and his team, besides the Margao police headed by PI C L Patil were caught napping as migrant vendors resurfaced on the footpath in front of the Comunidade building on Sunday evening.
