Ima Keithel vendors attack SE
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 04 2016:
Blaming Superintendent Engineer of PWD Subash for the damages caused to the buildings of Khwairamband Keithel by the temblor that shook the region this morning, vendors of Khwairamband Keithel today manhandled SE Subash who went to assess the crumbled walls and pillars of Khwai-ramband Keithel.
President of Khwairam-band Keithel Semgat Sagatpa Lup, RK Radhesana said that the SE was monitoring quality control day in and day out while the three Khwai-ramband Keithels were constructed.
He had also super- vised the labourers during the construction.
However, the tremor that jolted the region today testified whether quality was maintained or com- promised at the time of construction.
As such, the engineer, who went to the place to assess the damages, was mob- bed by enraged vendors bla-ming him for the defects, she said.
The vendors grabbed Su-bash by his neck and started beating him.
At that, he tried to escape from the wrath of the vendors by running away from the scene.
However, the vendors chased him and started kicking him, Radhesana said.
They further demanded dismissal of SE Subash from service for his alleged negligence.
Radhesana said that Subash had supervised and monitored the labourers during the construction.
The vendors also demanded the Govt to blacklist the construction company, Simplex Pvt Ltd.
At the same time, the vendors today at first turned down the request of the CM who invited them for talk at his office.
The vendors were insisting that the CM go there and assess the damages personally.
However, the vendors reportedly went to the CM office later in the evening when he failed to turn up to the spot.
Though, what transpired at the meeting is not known.
Expressing strong scepticism about the vulnerability of the building, the vendors said that they fear to occupy the markets again.
They urged the authority concerned to construct new buildings after demolishing the present ones.
The vendors further urged the Govt to provide safe and suitable place to sell their things.
President of Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup (AMKIL), Ph Sakhi Leima questioned quality maintenance in the construction of the Khwairamband Keithel.
It is a shame that the earthquake of high magnitude is a litmus test for the durability of the world's unique market place.
No vendors would risk their lives under the buildings.
As such, the Govt should construct new buildings for them at the earliest, she said.
Sakhi further warned that intense agitation would be launched if the Govt fails to meet the demand of the vendors.
Secretary of Khwairamband Keithel Sinpham amasung Saktam Kanba Lup, Th Rani said quality was compromised in the construction of the buildings.
Leakage of water was detected at various parts.
The same has been highlighted to the authority concerned seeking remedial measures.
However, no heed was paid to the grievances.
She also urged the Govt to construct new buildings for the vendors at the earliest.
The vendors today staged a sit-in in front of the market.
Khwairamband Keithel was inaugurated in 2010 .
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