Bhubaneswar: An outfit of 165 permanent shop owners under the banner Central Market Association (CMA) in Market Building at Unit-II locality of Bhubaneswar had convened a meeting of its members. However, they had a face-off today morning with makeshift vendors of the shopping complex.

The vendors were heard hurling abusive language leading to a heated argument. This continued for quite a long time and later subsided. Tension might erupt again, a source said.

CMA then held its meeting on the Market Building premises. The action plan for the future was decided in the meeting presided by the association president Pradyumna Kumar Jena.

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It is pertinent to mention, following the closure of the Market Building as a token of protest, Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Vijay Amruta Kulange earlier sought the cooperation of the permanent shop owners. Discussion will help find a solution to the problem, he had said.

“Makeshift vendors in the shopping arena in Unit-II possess the order of Orissa High Court. Hence, we will hold a discussion among all stakeholders to find out a solution for their rehabilitation. A decision in this regard will be taken after necessary legal consultation,” BMC Commissioner had stated.

Previously, two rounds of discussions were held among the stakeholders and as the issue involves legal complications and the rehabilitation process is a time-consuming affair, Kulange appealed to give more time. BMC is keen to sort out the demand to shift the temporary vendors elsewhere outside Market Building. However, cooperation of the permanent shop owners is needed, he had emphasised.

Market Building has been closed for an indefinite period as the 165 shop owners resorted to agitation to press their demand of evicting makeshift shops from the market complex area.

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