Even as the phari wallas are trying to reestablish themselves in newer areas, some of them have come back. But now they sit outside the barbed wire installed by the PGI authorities. Many of them have been in business here for years together.

A relative of a patient buying fruits from one such lone fruit seller outside country's premier institute said, "Earlier getting food was easier. That was one thing that was not worrisome in troubled times. Now, even food and fruits are a problem." When asked whether it was not for the betterment of the institute and the patients, he said ruefully, "Perhaps, yes. At least the place looks cleaner now. It's only personal inconvenience that bugs the relatives."

PGI authorities had cleared the area of all vendors and put up a barbed wire to restrict entry here. This was done after the area was given to the institute for promotion, say officials.