Sit in protest
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 23 2018: Lamlong Keithel Phambi Apunba Lup organised a sit in protest at Khurai Lamlong Keithel against the State Government's failure to construct a proper Keithel for the vendors despite laying the foundation stone all the way back in April last year.

As a result of the sit in protest, most of the shops around the Keithel remained closed as well.

Speaking to media persons, the women vendors taking part in the sit in protest informed that the authority concerned began dismantling Khurai Lamlong Keithel following the devastating earthquake of January 4, 2016, as the Keithel was deemed hazardous and unsafe.

Khurai MLA L Sushindro had earlier assured that the Keithel would be completed before the end of 2017, the vendors said and added Chief Minister N Biren Singh had even laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Keithel on April 29 last year.

The women vendors claimed that no works have been taken up in connection with the construction of the Keithel and they had even submitted necessary memoranda to the Chief Minister, MAHUD Minister as well as the authorities concerned.

When the vendors met MAHUD Minister Shyamkumar, they were told that there is not enough space for the construction of the Keithel and the work cannot be taken up unless there is ample land/space.

Claiming that the stand of the MAHUD Minister as well as the State Govt is akin to snuffing out one of the oldest women Keithel in Imphal East, the vendors questioned whether the authority want the vendors to produce the land necessary for the construction of the Keithel and also asked if it is not the duty/responsibility of the authority to discuss the matter with the local MLA.

The women vendors continued that they welcome the widening of Imphal-Ukhrul road but will never accept the destruction of the Keithel simply for widening the road.

They appealed to the State Government to widen the road and build an upto date Keithel as well.

On the other hand, the women vendors proposed the State Government to construct the Keithel at the spot where Khurai Girls High School used to be, and which is currently used by Kendriya Vidyalaya.

The establishment of Kendriya Vidyalaya at the building where Khurai Girls High School used to be is not reasonable and the school vehicles are causing immense hindrance to the women in the temporary market shed as well as to the passers-by.

They appealed to the State Govt to shift Kendriya Vidyalaya to be another appropriate spot and build the Keithel on its stead.

After immense pressure from the people, Khurai Girls High School was shifted and merged with Lamlong Higher Secondary School and its building was used as a temporary building for Kendriya Vidyalaya.

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