BJP Mahila Morcha to seek Centre's attention
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 02 2016:
BJP Mahila Morcha Manipur Pradesh is set to seek Centre's attention if the two damaged Ima Keithels are not repaired within the stipulated time.
Addressing a press conference held at BJP Manipur Pradesh office, Morcha President Sumati Bala Ningthoujam said that they have met the displaced women vendors and taken note of the serious inconveniences faced by them in selling their wares at the new temporary market shed.
After Ima Keithel No 2 and 3 were damaged by the devastating earthquake that struck the State on January 4 last, around 2000 women vendors were shifted to a new temporary shed constructed behind Johnstone Higher Secondary School.
However, they have been complaining about sluggish business and congestion at the temporary market shed.
Sumati Bala said that a team of BJP Mahila Morcha today visited the new temporary market shed and looked into the inconveniences faced by the women vendors there.
Saying that the women vendors received them warmly, Sumati Bala said that the womenfolk however told them that they would resort to an agitation if the damaged Ima Keithels are not repaired by August 10 .
She said that they assured the Imas to enquire the matter with the Government.
To Morcha's query, the authority concerned responded that there is no proposal for reconstruction but it would be repaired soon, Sumati Bala said.
She further said that the officials told them that different tests are required prior to commencement of repairing works.
However, it is questionable why no work is visible even after six months, she said.
As such, a team of Mahila Morcha Manipur Pradesh would go to Delhi to seek Centre's attention regarding the matter, Sumati Bala said.
She said that it is unfortunate that the State Government has taken so long in repairing the legendary Ima Keithels although huge number of women vendors have been reeling under different hardships.
Sumati Bala said that they are now ready to extend support to all forms of agitation launched by the women vendors regarding the matter.
BJP Mahila Morcha Manipur Pradesh secretary Dayabati and BJP Manipur Pradesh spokesperson RK Shivadutta were also present at the press conference.