Unruly scene mars seminar on market sanctity
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 22 2014 : Even as calls for restraining entry of male vendors in Khwairam-band Nupi Keithel (market) and officially rechristening the historic market complex to Ima Keithel in recognition of Ma-nipuri women's contribution to the society were given at a seminar on protecting unique identity of Khwairamband Keithel ugly side of 'women power' resulted in unsavoury scene as a section of the parti-cipants vociferously opposed comment by a lady speaker.

Arrival of a team of City police station led by its Officer in-charge Sudhir, how- ever, prevented the situation from going out of hand even though water bottles were hurled by the rival groups and seminar banners torn down.

Women traders engaging in heated exchange of words

Trouble ensued when some women present at the event raised opposition against Khwairamband Kei-thel Phambi Lup secretary Mangi insisting that women vendors would infringe on market plots reserved for sale of cloth/textile items.

Contending that business activities of women traders occupying plots inside the market shed have been minimal due to presence of street vendors outside the market buildings, Mangi posed whe-ther the women cloth vendors would tolerate if others too trade the same item at the latter's area.

When some of the participants accused mangi that she do not deserve to be leader of the women traders charges and counter-charges ensued eventually resulting in throwing of whatever objects were available inside the seminar hall.

There is no report of any injury even though process for working out the resolution of the one-day seminar on 'Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Saktam Kanba' held today at Manipur Press Club came to an abrupt end.

later in the evening, the programme organisers registered an official complaint at City Police station demanding arrest of four women, accused of abetting the incident.

The four named in the complaint include Yumnam Ibeyaima of Palace Compound, Khwairakpam Mangi Leima of Kakwa naorem Leikai, Bidyalaxmi Leima of Kwakeithel and Oinam Bilashini Devi of Oinam Thingel.

Earlier, the inaugural session of the seminar jointly organised by United Manipur Muslim Women Development Organisation and Leima Sintha Self Help Group was graced by the presence of Director (Art & Culture) Dr K Sobita and Imphal Municipal Council Executive Officer Wangkheimayum Rajen as the chief guest and functional president respectively while Pandam evening daily executive editor N Tomba and former IMC EO Salam Rajdhon were the guests of honour.

Senior Mayanglang Phee trader Yumnam Kulabati and film-maker Ranjit Ningthouja were also present as the special invitees.

Strongly advocating effective measures to protect the unique identity of Khwairamband Keithel as one of the world's oldest markets run exclusively by women traders, Dr K Sobita said research works to find out what commercial items were traded in which part of the market place in the formative years would be helpful in restoring historic identity and understanding origin of Khwairamband Keithel.

Stressing on close rapport between the Government agencies and women traders in further enriching heritage and decorum of the historic site, she noted that about 20 years back the market place was comparatively hygienic.

Calling upon the present day women vendors to contribute their mite in maintaining cleanliness in the market place, Dr Sobita also opined that the women traders could promote local handloom products if they use handloom attires.

She further suggested that dispute over plots be settled in an amicable manner either among the traders or consulting Government officials rather than the parties in dispute making a hue and cry that could only dilute image of the historic market place.

Speaking at the occasion, W Rajen conceding that IMC alone cannot ensure decorum in the market place prevailed upon the women traders to extent all possible cooperation whenever the need arise.

He also opined that renaming the market place as Ima Keithel would be more appropriate in recognition of the Manipuri women's resilience and bread-winner status.

Technical session of seminar held with Mutua Museum director Mutua Bahadur as the moderator had Assistant Professor of GP Women's College Dr Waikhom Romesh, Assistant Professor of Oriental College dr TB and Kangla Pao chief editor P Achouba elaborating on diverse aspects of the event theme as the resource persons.