Bodies urge for resolving tribal market issue
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 31 2023: Different tribal organisations have expressed resentment against Meira Paibis of Checkon area in Imphal over their alleged interference in reopening tribal market of New Checkon and urged women's organisations and CSOs to resolve the issue at the earliest.

Rongmei Naga Luh Phwam (Imphal Luangrian), Kabui Mother Association (KAMA) Manipur, Zeliangrong Union, Imphal Zone, Rongmei Naga Council Manipur (Imphal Luangrian), Maring Napuya Yinglam Imphal in a joint statement informed that some women of Checkon area randomly interfered and interrupted the tribal women vendors, who came to clean up the market place in order to re-open the market after prolong closure due to the present crisis on Monday.

The statement also alleged the small group of women making derogatory remarks and stating that the market cannot be opened without their approval.

One particular woman also boasted that the area is under her control and not even the CM or DC can allow them without her approval.

Decrying the interference of the handful of women, the statement said that local women have no right to interfere in the functioning of the market.

This market is specifically built for the tribal as the name suggests.

Meitei women have many markets in Imphal.

However, tribal people have only one market in Imphal city.

This tribal market does not belong to Kuki community alone.

It was built for the tribal people under the ministry of tribal affairs, it added.

The market belongs to all tribal people of Manipur even if Kukis are not present at the moment.

Any community who does not belong to tribal has no right to claim ownership or vending space in the market, the statement said while urging CSOs, Meira Paibi groups and women vendors' organisation of Khwairamband Keithel to look into the matter and resolve the issue to prevent any unwanted consequences in the future.

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