Agartala, 13th August 2026 : Leaders of Left-wing organisations have come forward in support of street vendors, including tribal vegetable sellers, who were reportedly affected during a recent municipal eviction drive in Nandannagar.
Strongly condemning the manner in which the eviction was carried out, Left leaders described the incident as “heart-wrenching” and alleged that the vendors were subjected to humiliation despite earning their livelihood through honest work.
They claimed that several tribal people travel from remote parts of Tripura to Nandannagar to sell vegetables and support their families. According to them, the individuals involved in the eviction appeared to be municipal personnel but allegedly had no visible nameplates or proper identification.
“The way these poor vendors were treated made it appear as though they were outsiders or foreigners,” a Left leader said, stressing that poverty should not become a reason for denying people dignity and livelihood.
The leaders also alleged that vendors’ goods and tarpaulins were confiscated and claimed that money was being taken from them in the name of eviction. They questioned whether such actions could be considered acceptable administrative practice.
Highlighting the economic hardships faced by rural families, the leaders alleged that employment opportunities under MGNREGA remain inadequate in villages, while unemployment and financial distress continue to affect people across the state. They said many villagers are compelled to come to Agartala and sell vegetables simply to remain self-reliant.
They further alleged that similar eviction-related incidents have occurred at different locations in Agartala since 2018, including Lake Chowmuhani, and claimed that the Nandannagar incident was not an isolated occurrence.
With Independence Day approaching, the Left leaders questioned the meaning of freedom for poor working people if those trying to earn an honest livelihood are subjected to harassment.
They appealed to the government and civic authorities to intervene, protect the dignity of the vendors and ensure that any eviction drive is conducted lawfully, transparently and with proper notice.
The leaders also rejected what they described as “malicious propaganda” against organisations such as GMP, TYF and TSU, asserting that their members have consistently remained on the streets in support of people’s rights.
“We have been on the streets, we are on the streets now, and we will take to the streets in the future as well,” they said.
