"To maintain 'internal security' in state": Himachal minister Vikramaditya Singh defends decision on ID cards for vendors

New Delhi [India], September 26 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh stated on Thursday that the decision for eateries and their shops to display the names of owners has been taken to maintain 'internal security' of the state, adding that it is the responsibility of the state government and all of us to maintain peace in the state.
Speaking to ANI on Himachal Pradesh government's order, the state's minister, Vikramaditya Singh, said, "Anyway, shops normally display their registration number and so on...But this is for the internal security of the state and the apprehensions that have been raised, this needs to be seen that way. An all-party committee has also been constituted and that would look into every detail...There can be no compromise with internal security concerns of the state."
"It is the responsibility of the state government and all of us to maintain peace in the state in wake of the chain of events that have taken place in Himachal Pradesh in the past few days," the minister added.
He further said that the high court has also asked from time to time to constitute town vending committees under municipal limits.
"The High Court has said from time to time that town vending committees should be constituted under municipal limits in the state so that proper vending zones be made," he said.
Highlighting the law and order in the state, he stated, "We have also said that people from outside are welcome in Himachal Pradesh... but maintaining the internal security of the state is important because we have to keep in check the extension of drug menace in the state, we have to maintain law & order, issues of hygiene in eateries have also to be taken care of. The High Court too has expressed concerns regarding this."
He mentioned that in the recently held meeting, the government has decided to have vendor identification irrespective of their domicile status.
"In the meetings, we have held recently, it has been decided to have identification of vendors, irrespective of them being from Himachal or outside. This law is applicable to all because of the internal security of Himachal Pradesh and the concerns of the people of the state," he added.
Earlier today, Himachal Pradesh AICC in charge Rajeev Shukla came in defence of the state government's orders for eateries to display the names of owners, saying that connecting it to Uttar Pradesh is not right.
Speaking to ANI, Himachal Pradesh AICC in charge Rajeev Shukla said, "Vikramaditya (Himachal Pradesh Minister Vikramaditya Singh) has said that this is done to make sure only authorised persons can set up shops...The Himachal Pradesh Assembly Speaker has made an all-party committee to regulate hawkers and to give them licences. Connecting this to Uttar Pradesh is not right."
Shukla had earlier presented a report to the Congress High Command on the decision of the Himachal Government. (ANI)