Women vendors come out against economic blockade
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 25 2011: Women vendors of Khwairamband Bazar today stayed away from the normal business transaction and participated in Wakat Meephams in three different places to demand solution to end the suffering of the common people from the crippling impact of the nearly four-month long economic blockade along the twin National Highways connecting Manipur with the rest of the world.

The protest demonstrations were staged in response to the call of Protection and Preservation Committee, Manipur, a conglomerate body of 34 civil organizations, which is campaigning for ensuring free flow of essential goods to Manipur and making the National Highways blockade proof.

At the end of the protest demonstrations, memorandum containing a charter of demands was submitted to the Chief Minister.

Signed jointly by President of Manipur Keithel Nupi Marup Ibeni, W Inaobi of Manipur Keithel Phambi Apunba Lup, Ph Muktarei of Khwai Central Ima Market, President of Marisuba Nupi Keithel Apunba Lup N Ibemhal, Secretary of Ima Panthoibi Sana Keithel Kh Joymati, Treasurer of Nupi Keithel Semgat Sagatpa Lup Ibetombi and Th Rani of Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Shinpham Amadi Saktam Kanba Lup, the memorandum demanded the state government to use its political will in ensuring lifting of the economic blockade and making the National Highways blockade proof for all times to come.

The memorandum also demanded the government to ensure free flow of traffic along Imphal-Moreh Road, improve the condition of National Highways, set up Ethnic Economic Development Council, stop black marketing, control the price of essential commodities and ensure proper functioning of Fair Price Shops.

The protesting women vendors have also warned of taking recourse to more intense agitation if he the government fails to give a positive response to these demands three days ahead of the proposed visit of Prime Minister to the state.

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