KOCHI: The proposal for night shopping mooted by merchants in the city has come alive once again, with media reports of the police opposing shops remaining open at Vytilla junction after 11 p.m.

The police are in support of the concept and claim that the affidavit filed in the High Court has been misunderstood. "We had taken a stand against only unauthorised bunk shops at Vytilla junction. There is no restriction on licensed shops from functioning," said City Police Commissioner P. Vijayan.

The police are also planning to come down heavily against the trend of licensed shops moving out to public spaces during night hours. "At the same time, strict instructions have been given not to close down any licensed shops operating from allowed premises," said Mr. Vijayan.

It has been pointed out that unauthorised shops provide reason for anti-social elements to hang out during odd hours and it compounds the duty of the police, as these shop owners could not be traced. On the other hand, licensed shops can be made accountable.

With the police making their stand clear, the merchants have got a fillip to their effort.

They have already planned to streamline their interaction with police officials, just like the communication link established by residents associations, with a view to implementing the concept.

The first meeting between top police officials and the representatives of the merchant community in the city will be held on April 19.

"We are planning to make it a regular bi-monthly affair," said K. Venkitesh Pai, president of the Ernakulam Merchants Union.

In support of the night shopping concept, merchants are saying that once the movement of public increases during night hours, the city will be safer from anti-social elements. However, none of the stakeholders are hopeful of anything happening before the elections.

"A change in policy is required, laws need to be amended for facilitating night shopping. Currently, the rules are labour-friendly and this should become trader-friendly. Also, there should be enough public transport during late hours," said Mr. Pai, adding that the merchants have been discussing this issue with the District Collector and the City Police Commissioner for some time now.

Another advantage of night shopping, merchants point out, is that it can reduce traffic congestion in the city during day hours considerably. This concept is also gaining support from representatives of residents associations.

"Though this issue was not taken up at any of our meetings, it is a logical conclusion that night life is a must for all metros," said S. Balakrishnan, president of the Ernakulam District Residents' Association Apex Council.

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