Being hassled for money is becoming an everyday obstacle that a 65-year-old newspaper seller has to deal with.

Caubati resident Mohan Prasad has been selling newspapers in Suva for 20 years, and for the past six years from Rodwell Road opposite the bus stand.

Mr Prasad claimed that most mornings he encountered drunks in that particular corner he was allocated to do sales.

“I can handle the drunk ones, but there are some people who come up and ask for money and demand to read the newspaper for free,” he said.

“Last Thursday, two people threw punches at each other just next to my stand. I protected the money and newspapers.

“The stands stay on the footpath and at night, some people use this for their hot dogs and food sales. When I come in the morning I find the place strewn with rubbish.”

He said he has also come across burnt marijuana joints left behind at the newspaper stand from the night before.

Mr Prasad also claimed that despite several reports at the Market Police Post, the hassling and alleged demanding of money continued.

The 65-year-old said he was doing honest work to support his wife and daughter. He said it was disappointing that of the few people who tried to hassle him for money some were young people capable of working.

“I ask myself: Why these young people cannot work for their money? I know work is not easy and hard work may not pay that much, but it is honest money,” Mr Prasad said.

He has called on authorities, especially the Police to monitor such incidents.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said there was daily interactions between Police and newspaper sellers and no such issues had been brought up.

Edited by Percy Kean

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