CM petitioned to save Imphal Keithel
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 21 2023:
Working Committee, Khwairamband Ima Keithel on Thursday submitted a memorandum to chief minister N Biren, requesting the government to help save the only all-women Khwairamband Keithel, whose existence is under threat due to external influences.
Addressing a press meet held on Friday, Committee convenor A Nirmala said that the vendors of Khwairamband market are suffering loss due to poor sales and as such, a memorandum was submitted to the CM on Thursday with request to save this historic market.
The memorandum sought for formulation of a Nupi Keithel Thousil (Manipur Women Market policy), which would allow only the vendors to market indigenous products, allowing only the vendors sitting in the market to hold the respective trading licences of the same, making concrete arrangements for street vendors, recognising the market as a cultural heritage site, and taking up measures to deter any outside influences which could affect the identity and importance of the historic market, she conveyed.
Nirmala then cautioned of launching intense agitations if the government fails to fulfil the demands before April 10.She continued that the market has been greatly affected by outside influences including the influx of I-yong cloths made outside the state.
If the market were to die, Manipur's existence will also come to an end, she remarked.