Billiground(Middle Andaman): A dispute over the proposed relocation of vegetable vendors during Durga Puja celebrations is stated to have triggered public resentment in Hari Nagar, Billyground, with serious questions being raised over the alleged role of Gram Pradhan Manojit Haldar in the matter. A strongly worded public statement issued in connection with the Sarbajanin Durga Puja–2026 celebrations has alleged that local vegetable vendors were being influenced or encouraged not to shift their shops to a temporary shed or alternative location proposed by the Puja Committee near the Harimandir premises.
If established, the allegation raises questions about the responsibility of an elected village representative to facilitate dialogue and resolve local disputes rather than allow misunderstandings to deepen, the statement said. The controversy centres on the proposed temporary arrangements for vegetable sellers during the festival. While the livelihood concerns of the vendors deserve due consideration, the statement maintained that temporary relocation and mutual adjustment during community celebrations are matters that should be resolved through consultation and consensus.
“Why cannot a solution be found through dialogue if the Puja Committee has proposed an alternative temporary location?” the statement asked, questioning whether the role of a Gram Pradhan is to aggravate a dispute or help resolve it.
‘Whose interests does the confusion serve?’
The statement called for complete transparency from Gram Pradhan Manojit Haldar and urged him to take the initiative in establishing impartial dialogue between the vegetable vendors and the Puja Committee.
It stressed that the rights and dignity of vegetable sellers must be protected, while the Puja Committee’s efforts to organise the festival peacefully should also be respected. “Durga Puja is not a platform for any individual, group or political influence. It is a festival that belongs to the entire community,” the statement said, urging all stakeholders to rise above division, confrontation and negativity.
The statement appealed to the vegetable vendors and the Puja Committee not to allow the issue to develop into an unnecessary confrontation, warning that the longstanding tradition of brotherhood, social unity and communal harmony in Hari Nagar and Billyground should not be undermined. It called for the Gram Panchayat to act as a channel for resolution rather than a source of conflict.
The statement concluded with a direct appeal: “Let the traders and the Puja Committee stand together, not against each other. Let brotherhood prevail and confusion and confrontation end.” It also urged the public to remain vigilant and continue raising questions on issues affecting the community.
