Khwairamband women vendors protest illegitimate vendors sitting around Keithel
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 27 2018: Women vendors of three markets in Khwairamband Bazar, staged a sit in protest followed by a rally against the alleged attempt of the State Government and Imphal Municipal Council to disintegrate the present condition of the markets.

Organised by Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Sinpham and Saktam Kanba Lup, a huge number of women vendors from the three market sheds staged a sit-in at the road between Ema Leimarol Sidabi and Ema Phouoibi Keithel from today morning, by halting their daily business.

The irate women vendors took out a rally and submitted a memorandum each to the Chief Minister and the MAHUD Minister.

Speaking to media persons on the sideline of the protest, Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Sinpham and Saktam Kanba Lup secretary Th Rani said that Khwairamband Keithel is a one of a kind market which people from across the world visit as it's business is conducted only by women.

Khwairamband market provides livelihood to nearly 4000 women vendors and 1000 more, including those who transport goods and commodities and those who guard the goods at night, who also pay tax to the Government, she said adding that the women vendors have always been supporting all the good causes in the State.

She said that the women vendors of these three sheds in Khwairamband are now on the verge of dying out as people are occupying the space around the market sheds and conducting their business ranging from clothes to many other items.

Stating that although several steps have been taken up to keep Imphal city clean, Rani said that as long as the MAHUD, IMC and security force fail to carry out their duties genuinely and effectively, Imphal city will not be clean.

She alleged that IMC Councillors, who gets appointed from time to time, have allowed outside parties/ individuals to conduct their business on the footpath and at areas around the market, instead of considering the inconveniences of the licenced vendors.

She said that the authority concerned has also allowed parking inside Khwairamband for its vested interests, which has caused immense inconveniences to the licensed women vendors.

Stating the irony of opening market shed at different districts, she questioned why the authority concerned has put in so much money and effort to construct market sheds if the people from the respective districts where markets shed have been built, are allowed to conduct their business at the roadside and surrounding, areas of Khwairamband Bazar.

Rani said, Imphal city will not be clean as long as there is a vague line between those who sit inside the market and outside and until and unless the State Government forms a market policy and keep a difference between wholesalers and retailers by settling the price of each product from time to time.

Rani said that the Khwairamband bazar women vendors will surrender their license if the State Government fails to take up necessary action within January 10 .

She said that the women vendors, instead of sitting inside the market sheds, will come out and conduct their business on the roads instead.

Rani also added that the State Government should take full responsibility for any unwanted incident in the course of this movement.

Comment