Committee formed to protect Ima Keithel
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 07 2023:
Working Committee � Khwairamband Ima Keithel, an apex body of three Ima Keithel complexes, was formed on Saturday with the objective to protect the identity of the historic market and face challenges pose to women vendors.
A joint statement signed by Leimarel Sidabi Ima Keithel Lukmai Sellup secretary Asem Nirmala, Imoinu Ima Keithel Saktam Kanba Lup secretary A Sobita and Phouoibi Ima Keithel Vendors' Welfare Union secretary K Dhaneshwari, informed that the Ima Keithel is losing its identity gradually with shops owned by non-locals taking over trades, which were once exclusive for the women vendors.
This also results in the women vendors losing livelihood opportunity, the statement said.
On the other hand, some women vendors with vested and political interests are trying to create chasm and distort identity of the historic market for their own convenience.
Street vendors, including non-locals carrying out trade just outside the market complexes are also threatening the survival of the licensed women vendors.
The apex body was formed keeping in view of the challenges and necessity to protect the identity of the Ima Keithel and protect the interest and livelihood of the women vendors, the statement added.