Traders of Phase 3B2 Market, Mohali, staged a protest Thursday against the unchecked presence of illegal street vendors, locking down the entire market and announcing a complete shutdown. The market reopened only after senior administrative officials intervened and assured strict and immediate enforcement against unauthorised vendors.
President of the Market Welfare Association Akwinder Singh Gosal along with other shopkeepers alleged that illegal food vendors operating from cars and other vendors have turned the market into a hub of late-night chaos, substance abuse, and law-and-order problems, particularly after sunset. The anger of the traders spilled over on Thursday, forcing the administration to step in and persuade shopkeepers to reopen their establishments by afternoon.
The Phase 3B2 Market comprises around 36 booths, 60 showrooms, and over 100 shops, yet traders claim that a handful of unauthorised hawkers and vendors operate fearlessly, without licences, identity cards, GST numbers, or fear of enforcement.
“These people arrive in cars, set up folding tables, and start selling food. They have no address, no ID, no GST registration and apparently no fear of the police,” said a shopkeeper, Amrik Singh Sajan.
Shopkeepers put shop keys in a box during their protest at Phase 3B2 Market, Mohali, as traders demand action against illegal vendors. (Express Photo by Jasbir Malhi)
“Even when the SHO is present, nothing changes. Meanwhile, they sell cheap and substandard items, badly affecting legitimate businesses,” he said.
According to shopkeepers, the situation becomes far more serious at night. “Drunken brawls, eve-teasing, people consuming drugs inside parked cars has become routine. Tea, tobacco, and food items are sold till 4 am,” the traders alleged, hinting at suspected prostitution activities in the area.
They claimed that videos and reports circulating on TV channels and social media have damaged the market’s reputation. The traders alleged that 20–25 people, including entire families of 5–10 members, occupy the parking area every evening, effectively taking over public space without any administrative or police questioning.
Councillor Jaspreet Gill said the issue was not limited to Sector 3B2 alone.
“This problem escalates in almost all Mohali markets after 7 pm. The core issues are eve-teasing, alcohol consumption, and anti-social elements,” he said.
“We have raised this with DC, SSP, and the Municipal Corporation earlier, but the matter keeps getting passed around citing shortage of manpower.”
Gill suggested deploying additional night-duty police staff with separate evening and night shifts to ensure security until at least 10–11 pm.
During the protest, Assistant Commissioner of Mohali MC Manpreet Singh Sidhu reached the spot and heard the grievances of the traders. He assured them that from Thursday evening onwards, the administration, in coordination with the police, would ensure that no illegal vendor is allowed to operate inside the market. Following this assurance, the shopkeepers reopened their establishments.
Speaking to the media later, Sidhu clarified, “GMADA has allotted stationary sites for licensed vendors. They are permitted to operate only in designated vending zones. Any unlicensed or illegal vending, hooliganism, or misbehavior inside markets will not be tolerated.”
Punjab Trade Commission member Vineet Verma, who was also present, supported the traders’ stand.
“The primary issue raised by shopkeepers about illegal vendors is 100 per cent valid. Providing a safe and orderly environment for traders is the administration’s responsibility,” he said. “Strict action will begin tonight against those operating illegally at night and disrupting law and order.”
Verma acknowledged past enforcement failures, adding, “Decisions were taken earlier, but implementation was weak. This time, a drive is being launched on a positive note, and we will work closely with traders to resolve every issue.”
The shopkeepers expressed optimism, hoping that the administration’s assurances would translate into sustained ground-level action, ensuring peace, safety, and protection for lawful businesses in the market.