Mapusa Traders Threaten Silent Black Flag Protest on 19th December Over Market Dispute

The Mapusa Municipal Council’s (MMC) anti-encroachment drive in the municipal market has sparked a confrontation with the Mapusa Traders’ Association, who claim it’s a targeted campaign to silence their protest over long-pending demands.

Key issues include Tenancy Agreements with Traders seeking urgent renewal of shop tenancy agreements and facilitation of shop transfers among blood relatives. Traders are also alleging improper fee collection and lack of infrastructure, making it difficult to run businesses. The MMC claims to be addressing public complaints of blocked pathways and safety concerns.

The traders had threatened to display black flags during the Dec 19 Goa Liberation Day celebrations if their grievances were not resolved by Dec 15 and MMC Chief Officer Chandrakant Shetkar defends the drive, citing complaints of encroachments on footpaths ¹.

Traders’ Association secretary Siddhesh Raut had accused MMC of ignoring vendors blocking main roads while targeting shopkeepers for minor encroachments. The situation remains tense, with traders demanding solutions to their issues ¹

Meanwhile reacting to the issue Mapusa MLA Joshua D’Souza said an eight-day timeframe was sought to resolve the issue and accused the merchant association of politicizing the matter, as Mapusa merchants announced a silent protest on 19 DEC over pending demands.