Mao Keithel back in business after 4 months
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 15 2023: Normal business at Mao Keithel, which was affected for more than four months due to the blockade along Imphal-Dimapur highway amid the Meitei-Kuki ethnic clash, has resumed today.

Speaking to this reporter, Mao Women Business Union (MWBU) president Kapeini Mao said that the functioning of the market situated at Kabo Leikai on DM College road was disrupted for so long owing to the blockade imposed by the Kukis at Kangpokpi along the Imphal-Dimapur highway following the outbreak of ethnic clash on May 3 .

Mao Keithel back in business after 4 months

However, with immense pressure from various civil organisations and thanks to security forces, the route has been reopened and it has facilitated the resumption of normal business at Imphal, she said.

Kapeini also shared difficulties faced by some vendors during the blockade period with some Kuki bodies causing restriction of their movement towards Imphal.

Many of them were left with no choice but to take their items to Dimapur.

With most of the items they sell being perishable vegetables and fruits, they had to incur huge losses during these four months, she said.

Before the clash, the market remained open from Monday to Saturday with fresh items getting replenished every Tuesday and Friday.

These two days-Tuesday and Friday attracted most buyers, she said.

Kapeini also hinted of extortion along the highway by 'security agencies' and Kuki militants thereby heaping more burden to the vendors who are mostly from humble backgrounds.

"We may go out of business if they continue demanding money," she said while urging all concerned to shun such activities.

She also appealed to civil organisations not to impose any blockade again on the National Highway.

Manipur's integrity should not be disturbed.

Both the dwellers of the hill and valley should live harmoniously, she said.

All should join hands in fighting any force trying to destroy the integrity of the State, she continued.