Hawkers welcomed the MLA's decision and expressed respect by garlanding them with flowers.
Hundreds of hawkers came out on the road under the banner of Asansol Hawker Committee, West Bardhaman on Saturday in protest against the bulldozer action taken on Friday in Raha Lane, Asansol. The protesters protested fiercely against the government and administration, terming the action taken before the deadline as unjust and called upon all the hawkers of Asansol to unite and fight for their rights. During the demonstration, the situation became tense as a large crowd of hawkers gathered on the road. To maintain law and order, Asansol South Police Station and Asansol South Traffic Police Station reached the spot and kept an eye on the situation. Meanwhile, as soon as information about the incident was received, BJP MLA from Asansol North Assembly Krishnandu Mukherjee also reached the spot. He tried to pacify the protesting hawkers and appealed to them to end the agitation. The MLA said that the state government has set a deadline for not taking bulldozer action against hawkers till Durga Puja and further action will be taken accordingly. Krishnandu Mukherjee appealed to the hawkers to cooperate in the campaign to make Asansol encroachment free and beautiful and said that everyone should follow the government rules and administrative orders. He also appealed to maintain law and order. The hawkers welcomed the MLA's decision and expressed their respect by garlanding him. Meanwhile, the MLA expressed grief over the loss of hawkers affected by Friday's action and said, "This incident happened due to a slight miscommunication. Talks have been held with the government and the district administration. Further action will be taken as per the time frame set by the government. Solutions will be found by discussing the remaining issues as well." Police force remained deployed throughout the protest to control the situation. At present, the possibility of further talks between the administration and hawker representatives is being expressed.
