MAPUSA: The All Goa Merchants Association has threatened to stage an agitation if the municipalities in the state and the government fail to initiate action against the hawkers, who by conducting their business deprive the merchants of their livelihood.

Addressing a press conference on Monday evening, the president of the All Goa Merchants Association, Mr Narayan Karekar said that in all cities the number of the non Goan hawkers who were conducting their business without any tax being paid to the government was increasing day by day and no authorities seemed keen to take action.

He lamented the fact that the tax the merchants had to pay to various municipalities was being increased year after year and yet when it comes to safeguard the interests of the merchants no authority was willing to come forward.

"We have been suffering exorbitant losses due to slack business and a hike in taxes. The non Goan hawkers and vendors who are patronised by the powers who do not pay any tax and also earn profits by luring our customers," he said.

He demanded that the government initiate strict action against them or else these merchants will have to take to the streets and possibly even resort to a Goa bandh.

He said that many a times it was observed that local vendors who came with their produce or with other goods were given a step motherly treatment by the sopo contractor and the municipal inspectors but when it came to non Goan vendors no action was forthcoming against them even if they blocked all market roads with their goods. He felt that such a tendency should stop.

Mr Vinod Shirodkar, the president of the Margao New Market Traders Association said that the Margao market was in a terrible mess with no discipline and system. Non Goan hawkers were sitting haphazardly and there was utter chaos in the market.

"We made various representations to the Chief Minister but all have fallen on deaf ears. It is sad to note that even the Chief Minister has no control over the Margao market and his orders are not implemented," informed Mr Shirodkar. Outlining the need for urgent steps to be taken in maintaining discipline in all markets in Goa and suitable action against the non Goan vendors Mr Shirodkar said that it was high time the government acted in the interest of the merchants rather than compelling them to take to the streets.