Mao vendors to get 2 market places in Imphal: Gaikhangam
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN
Imphal, July 07 2015 :
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam said that the Government has arranged not only one, but two different market places in Imphal for the Mao vendors.
He said this in response to a calling attention motion moved by MLA L Ibomcha in the Assembly on Tuesday.
It may be mentioned that since last week, Mao vegetable vendors have been coming to Imphal market with their produces to sell here.
They earlier used to enter Nagaland and sell their products but due to Dzuko conflict they have put a halt of their business there.
Ibomcha complained, "This initiative is commendable, but what is extremely unfortunate is the act of the State Police collecting money from the traders.
If those police personnel are in such need of money that they target even the already-victimised Mao traders who come to Imphal, I can give money to them from my own pocket" .
Gaikhangam who is also in-charge of Home said that Ibomcha's plea is understandable and reasonable.
He also said, "Apart from the Nagamapal market, the Government is also trying to arrange a market place for the Mao traders on the footpaths of Dingku Road in Imphal" .
"The State Government very well understands the sentiment and inconveniences of the Mao residents", he said and promised to stand for their welfare.
Gaikhangam also added that it would be wrong to target the innocent Mao residents because of the Dzuko Valley conflict and assured that his department will take up strong action against those policemen, if found guilty for extorting money from Mao traders.
He also appreciated the big role played by the civil society organisations in arranging the market place for the Mao traders and for warmly welcoming them.
Gaikhangam also said there are three Manipur Government check posts currently on NH-2 Imphal Dimapur road�Mao, Kangpokpi and Sekmai.
"If anyone finds State forces indulging in illegal collection of taxes beyond these three approved posts, please inform our department.
I will take strong action them," he assured.