Women vendors stage rally
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 16 2016:
Under the banner of Kwairamband Keithel Apunba Nupi, a large number of women vendors took out a rally protesting Government's failure to provide temporary vending space at a suitable place.
Around 2000 women vendors had been displaced after a devastating earthquake damaged portions of two Ima Keithels on January 4 .
The rally began from Khwairamband bazar temporary market and proceeded towards Chief Minister's bungalow.
However, a police team led by Additional SP (Law and Order) S Ibomcha diverted the rallyists towards GM hall.
Later in the evening, some womenfolk were taken to the officer chamber of Education Minister and Government spokesperson M Okendro for a meeting.
One of the women protesters told reporters that M Okendro had announced some days back that around 500 women vendors each would be provided vending space at Tribal Market and Purana bazar while the remaining 1000 would be accommodated at Khwairamband bazar temporary market, she said.
The woman further the State Government had also decided to carry out construction works at these three areas for the said purpose.
On the other hand, there have been some constructions on State Museum road on the western side of Johnstone Higher Secondary School as well, she said.
She said that the women vendors would damage the market sheds which are under construction if no understanding is arrived during today's meeting with M Okendro.
Details of the meeting could not be ascertained at the time of filing this report.
The women vendors waited for their representatives who had gone to meet the Minister till late evening near GM hall.