Women vendors rise in revolt
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 21 2016:
Women vendors of Ima Keithel number 2 and 3 who have been allocated vendor space at temporary market shed behind Johnstone Higher Secondary School today protested delay in repairing of the two Ima Keithels which suffered damage in the January 4 earthquake.
A woman vendor identified as Kadangbam Shantibala said that they have decided to shift again to the damaged Ima Keithels risking their life as no shopper come to the temporary market.
She said that although the Government had promised to start repairing works from July 17, no such works are visible till date.
As such, they had decided to close the temporary market and start business at the damaged Ima Keithels from today, she said.
Shantibala further said that they would never return to the temporary market until the authority concerned shows some positive steps like bringing construction materials at Ima Keithel.
Saying that they sometimes could not sell even a single item for three days at the temporary market as shoppers seldom come there, Shantibala said that it is better to die at Ima Keithel than embracing poverty due to slow business at the temporary market.
Another vendor identified as Pratima Wahengbam said that they face different types of inconvenience at temporary market apart from sluggish business.
As the market shed was constructed in a hurry, it is so hot inside as the roof is too low, she said and added that there is no enough space as well.
She further said that there are many insects, mosquitoes and even snakes inside the market shed.
Pratima further said that the Government must be held responsible for any eventuality as they had delayed repairing of Ima Keithel.
Meanwhile, BJP leader RK Shivachandra interacted with the women vendors.
He said that around 2000 women vendors have been reeling under different forms of inconvenience after Ima Keithel number 2 and 3 were damaged in January 4 earthquake.
He alleged that the State Government is playing politics at Ima Keithel where many poor women vendors are earning their livelihood.
He questioned why the State Government is delaying in carrying out repairing works.
Shivachandra said that BJP Manipur Pradesh had provided information about the present condition of legendary Ima Keithel to the Centre.
City police personnel were seen deployed at Ima Keithel area to thwart unwanted incidents.