Vishal Mega Mart row resolved; protest suspended after talks
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, June 10 2026: The prolonged agitation launched by the Thoubal Keithel Mathak Makha Apunba Lup against the operation of Vishal MegaMart in Thoubal has been suspended following a successful round of talks with Government representatives on Wednesday.

The protest, which began on May 30, was spearheaded by women vendors and local market bodies demanding the relocation of the Vishal Mega Mart complex to a location at least five kilometres away from Thoubal Keithel, citing concerns over its impact on local businesses.

A joint meeting was held at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner's office in Thoubal, attended by Principal Secretary of the Municipal Administration, Housing and Urban Development (MAHUD) Department, RK Dinesh, Joint Secretary Laishram Geetchandra, Deputy Commissioner of Thoubal Yumnam Robita, Caretaker Chairperson of Thoubal Municipal Council Kh Bishworjit Singh, councillors, the Executive Officer of the Municipal Council, and officebearers and members of the Thoubal Keithel Mathak Makha Apunba Lup.

During the meeting, it was agreed that relocating the shopping complex beyond a five-kilometre radius from Thoubal Keithel was not feasible.

As an alternative solution, both sides agreed that Vishal Mega Mart would remain closed every Monday.

The meeting also resolved that the retail outlet would not sell certain products that directly compete with locally produced goods, including kurta suits, locally made baby clothing, handloom products such as shawls, locally manufactured bedsheets, and other similar clothing items.

Following the agreement, the protestors decided to suspend their agitation and called off the ongoing protest.

The women vendors also resolved to reopen Thoubal Keithel and resume normal market activities from Thursday.

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