Few vendors continue to operate amid strict lockdown
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 30 2020: Although selling of vegetables in public places had been restricted since the imposition of total lockdown on July 24, a few vendors still operate their business at their native places to look after their families.

And as a preventative measure against the novel coronavirus, the State police in patrol continue to drive away such vendors in different locations.

Speaking to media persons, one vendor who interacted with The Sangai Express stated that she only sells vegetables which she collects from the neighbourhood gardens.

On asking about the price of her wares, the woman responded that she makes a profit of Rs 10 to 20 from selling a kilogram of brinjals (cost price Rs 70, selling price Rs 80), cabbages (cost price Rs 30, selling price Rs 40 ), ladyfingers (cost price Rs 60, selling price Rs 70) and green chillies (cost price Rs 100, selling price Rs 120) .

"With this little profit that I make from selling vegetables, I run my family," she added.

The Sangai Express also came across one such vendor nervously vending vegetables by enveloping her wares with a piece of cloth in fear of police.

On interacting with the vendor, she said that she only resells vegetables which were brought by vans in her locality and makes a little profit out of it.

Whereas at Wangkhei Tokpam Leikai, one woman was found selling items used in religious events, such as pots, clothes and Manipuri puff rice (kabok) in front of her gate.

She said that as her customers are only those who are to hold religious events, there is no case of overcrowding in her place.

In another incident, this media house witnessed three vegetable seller operating near Ningthem Pukhri Mapal drove away by police and different market goers and vendors not wearing face masks, thereby risking the chance of COVID transmission while doing business.

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