Imphal, October 30 2010: Contending that its proposal to the Chief Minister for allotment of seats in the three newly constructed two-storey market complexes at Khwai-ramband Keithel has failed to evoke any positive response, Kabui Mothers' Association Manipur (KAMA) has stated that it might resort to imposing general strike to protest the indifferent attitude of the SPF Govt.Speaking to newspersons at Zeliangrong Building, Kakhulong today, KAMA president Kakam-lunglu Kamei said the CM and some SPF Ministers were briefed on the presence of the Kabui population in the State, as the second largest community after the Meiteis.

Expecting favourable response from the SPF Government taking into account the huge population of the Kabui community, a KAMA delegation called on the CM in addition to submitting a memorandum on October 25, Kamei said adding that during the meeting attended by other SPF Ministers, the KAMA proposal for allotment of 200 seats in one of the market sheds was discussed.

Explaining that there are several Kabui families whose source of livelihood is inadequate and that provision of 200 seats out of the total of 4000 in the three market completes could have lifted the morale of the Kabui womenfolk, the KAMA president said the CM convened a joint meeting on October 27 where PDA Chairman Dr Kh Loken was also present.

Contrary to high expectation, the CM cited 'helplessness' inspite of his desire to honour proposal for the seat allotment, Kalamlunglu maintained.

Informing that the CM assured personal endeavour to provide vendor space when market complexes are constructed at the erstwhile Tombisana High School campus and another one planned at Chingmeirong Khongnang Anikarak, the president also claimed that when the KAMA team left the joint meeting a Cabinet meet was underway on the same issue.

Stating that what transpired at the Cabinet meeting had not been intimated to KAMA till date, Kalamlunglu justified demand for 200 seats within the three market sheds with the assertion that there are 1727 license holders of Ima Keithel 734 authorised occupants at Laxmi Keithel whereas number of licence holders in New Market is 1218 .

Even if 3679 seats out of the total of 4000 have valid vendors what compulsion is restraining the Govt from allotting the remaining seats to fresh individuals needs an explanation acceptable to one and all, she posed.

Questioning sincerity and commitment of the SPF Government that had been riding on the 'integrity' plank, Kalamlunglu cautioned that in case proposals for the seat allotment is not honoured KAMA will be constrained to impose general strike when AICC chief Sonia Gandhi arrives to inaugurate the market complexes in addition to launching various forms of agitation.

Comment