Association appeals for ban relaxation
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 17 2017:
Apunba Manipur Mela Lup (AMML) has appealed to concerned organisation/ party to consider and relax the ban on organisation of mela in the State, taking into consideration the livelihoods of around 3000 people engaged in various sections/ fields in organising the event .
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club today, general secretary of AMML, Y Tokendrajit explained that an underground outfit, announced a ban upon organising any kind of mela and the Singju festival as well after levelling various charges against the said festivals/ events .
He clarified that not a single non local is employed in any mela organised under the permit of AMML and the 3000 employees working in different sections/fields ranging from construction works, electrician, mechanic, stall owners and others, for organising the melas are all locals .
He further pointed out that the mela held in the State now, is different from those organised earlier as all the machines are managed and operated as well as made by local people and they have pent more than three years operating the machines .
The general secretary explained that more than 3000 educated but unemployed youths, are engaged in the mela and many of them are the sole bread earner of their families .
Appealing to the concerned UG outfit to relax the ban and to give them a chance for negotiation regarding the imposition of the ban at the earliest, Y Tokendrajit said that AMML held a meeting with various CSOs and students organisation some months back to establish the various norms as well as rules and regulations, so as to prevent any inconveniences while organising the mela .
He also added that AMML has been strictly following the said rules while organising any mela.