Calls to uplift 'Ima Keithel' mark anniversary event
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 11 2024: Veteran singer Chongtham Kamala has urged the public administrators to understand the importance of Ima Keithel and accordingly take up policies, programmes and schemes sincerely for development of Ima Keithel' (mothers' markets) across the state.

Presenting a talk on 'Manipurgi Nupi Keithelgee Saktam and Puwari' during the 2nd foundation anniversary of Lukmai Sellup at Manipur Press Club Monday, Kamala said lifestyle and economy of the people of the state will improve when markets, particularly Ima Keithel' across the state are developed.

She stated that Khwairamband Keithel is not merely a trade and commerce platform where buyers and sellers meet, but also a place where discussions and exchange of idea take shape.

In the early period, Khwairamband Keithel was also used for conducting trials and awarding punishments to anti-social elements and wrong-doers, she added.

Understanding the importance of markets, 10 markets were developed during the reign of king Khagemba and king Chandrakriti later developed six more markets, she explained, adding that the markets developed by king Chandrakriti were Sanjenthong, Singjamei, Heirangoithong, Yairipok, Awang Sagolmang and Lilong Keithel.

During the time Manipur came under the British rule in 1891, no market were opened but then British agent 'Bor Saheb' Maxwell galvanised some women from Thangmeiband and Uripok and allowed them to start selling goods at Khwairamband Keithel.

During the time, the present Thangal bazar used to be called Maxwell market and later renamed Thangal and Paona bazar, further recalled Kalama.

During the event, Manipur State Commission for Women former chairperson Chongtham Jamini also presented a talk on 'Nupi Keithel Amasung Khunai Asigi Nupi', while DM College of Arts retired principal Chungkham Sheelaramani presented a talk on 'Mapalgi Safuna Manipurigee Nupi Keithelda Singnarakpa' .

Comment