Soren’s security causes distress for the poor

Vijay Deo Jha/Joy Sengupta | Ranchi

RANCHI | Sunday, February 14, 2010

Chief Minister's security issues has just resulted in despair for atleast six to seven families.

The district administration, citing security reasons have removed a group of small shopkeepers who used to earn a living by selling tea and snacks at one corner, a few meters away from the present Chief Minister's residence.

The higher ups at the district administration say that the shops cannot be allowed to run since it is close to the residence and there could be a security concern.

What surprises is that Soren has been living in the same residence since a long time, even before he was the Chief Minister.

He had blatantly refused to move to the official CM residence in the Kanke Road earlier. The residence has been branded 'unlucky' for all the State CMs as none have been able to complete their full term. Sources said that the CM House was not considered auspicious.

Kailash, who was selling tea in the same place since more than 6 years now said that his hopes were fast dwindling.

"They said that it was a Government-owned land and we could not carry on business here. This shop is the only source of livelihood for my family. I am in the same place since such a long time."

Another shopkeeper, who also sells tea and snacks in the same place said that he had nowhere to go now.

"All our requests went unheard. I had made a small home near my shop where I used to live with my family. Now I don’t know where to go. The biggest question is about earning money now.

These shops offer cheap food which is nothing less than a boon for many including the labourers of the area. With the Ranchi College located in the vicinity, the place is also visited by many students for short meals. Also, each day many people with different grievances come to meet the Chief Minister and these food joints have been very helpful for them.

"We don’t think it is a security issue. These men work so hard for their living. Why should there be a threat at all? Here the food was good and cheap," a student of the college said.

The shopkeepers requested the authorities to let them carry on with their business in the same spot.

When contacted Ranchi Deputy Commissioner, K.K Sone said that the they could not be allowed to run shops at the spot.

"We cannot allow them to run shops there as there is security involved. It is from the security point of view. Moreover, they have been running their business in the Government owned land," he said.