Bapi Saha the secretary of the Bidhan Market Byabsayee Samiti said the traders had been doing business at the market for decades. However these people do not have documents to prove the possession of their respective shops. Sources say that the market had been established in 1962 and is spread over around 10 acres. More than 5,000 retail shops are there who sell various items at the market. All the traders of the largest retail hub in Siliguri have sent separate letters to chief minister Mamta Banerjee and the state minister for urban development and municipal affairs (UDMA) department Firhad Hakim for the ownership rights to their respective shops. Actually the Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA) owns the market land.
Actually this matter is very complicated as there are many people whose life is depended on this market and these people need ownership rights so that they can have secure future. Previously also they have gone in many places for this matter but it doesn’t work. This time they are actually expecting the help and they are also ready if this doesn’t work. Bidhan Market is actually very important place in Siliguri as everyone comes here for shopping and people here buy many varieties of products in affordable price. People in Siliguri actually like this place and want that all traders get their ownership rights.
