, April 25 -- Barely two weeks after eviction drives cleared major footpaths in Gulistan and Baitul Mukarram areas, hawkers have started returning to the spots they had vacated, raising fresh questions as to whether the government was merely flexing its muscles, or truly serious about pursuing a sustainable solution to the problem.

To many, the government 's commitment can only be ensured via a rehabilitation component or merely repeating a cycle of eviction and reoccupation.

On a recent visit to the area, our correspondent found that vendors have gradually resumed business along the stretch from the Gulistan intersection to Paltan, awaand in front of Baitul Mukarram Mosque. Crowds of customers have also started returning to the sidewal...