Moirang hardware shop owners appeal for end to exorbitant monetary demands
Source: The Sangai Express

Bishnupur, September 15 2024: Stating that hardware shops have been brought to the brink of downing their shutters, Moirang Bazar Hardware Association has made an appeal to stop imposition of unbearable monetary demands on Moirang hardware shop owners.

Moirang Bazar Hardware Association made the appeal and presented their grievances during a press briefing held at Moirang Turenbal Leikai Mandop today.

Speaking to the mediapersons, a hardware shop owner from Moirang said that due to the ongoing conflict, which is entering its 17th month, sales have gone down significantly in Moirang, a red-zone area.

He shared that people have been dealing with difficulties in making ends meet as a result of this decrease in sales.

However, despite such hardships, the shop owners have extended assistance to the conflict survivors seeking shelter in various relief camps many times.

A majority of the hardware shop owners are operating their businesses by borrowing money at high interest rates or by taking loans from banks.

Due to the conflict, many times shop owners have returned home without selling a single item.

"However, despite such hardships, we have extended help for the sake of our motherland multiple times considering it as our duty", he maintained.

He further highlighted the plight of hardware shop owners by sharing that many have defaulted on their loans while others are no longer able to pay the school fees of their children and grandchildren.

In the midst of such adversities, he denounced the excessive monetary demands on the hardware shop owners of Moirang and appealed to the concerned individuals/groups to stop imposing such demands while reasoning that otherwise it will lead to the ruin of the entire Meitei community.

The press conference was attended by notable members of Moirang Bazar Hardware Association.

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