MPP mulls legal action against tenants
Shop runners accuse MPP of demanding election donation
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 21 2022: Reacting to the rumours being circulated about Manipur People's Party (MPP) in the media by some shopkeepers renting the shops in the shopping complex of the party; MPP general secretary H Gitajen has informed that the party will be initiating legal actions against the shopkeepers and asked them to leave the complex immediately.

Addressing a press meet held at MPP office on Friday, Gitajen said that it was unfortunate to witness some wealthy people who are posing as humble shopkeepers and renting some of the shops located in the complex, to spread rumours to tarnish the image of the party, thus, as per the rules of the party, the said shopkeepers, specifically of plot nos A7, F10, D11 and D8, who have failed to even the deposit fee, are no longer allowed to rent the premises.

Gitajen further informed that the people renting the said plots have not even paid the monthly rent for over 9 months.

On December 2, 2021, an agreement was signed between the party and the said shopkeepers to clear the pending dues by January 10.However, MPP will not take it lightly if such people who want to do business but refuse to pay the security deposit or rent and are instead slandering the party.

Since they have failed to fulfil their end of the agreement, the party has decided to go the legal route, as per which they are no longer allowed to rent the shops, he stated.

He then urged all concerned to provide the entitled rent and security deposit if one wants to remain.

However, it is advised that they should stay out of any dispute of the party, he remarked.

Meanwhile, operators of shops alleged that MPP leaders mounted intense pressure on them to donate Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh for the upcoming assembly election.

Addressing media persons on Friday at Manipur Press Club, a shop owner named Md Rafi Khan informed that the said complex has around 200 shops and every shop runner donate Rs 5000/10,000 whenever election comes.

During the Lok Sabha election held in 2019, the then party president Oinam Jugindro collected huge amount of money from every shop while promising that no such donation will be collected again.

Contrary to the commitment given by the president, party leader H Gitajen mounted pressure on every shop owner to donate Rs 50,000 to Rs lakh for the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly election.

The party has no office bearers at present due to controversy within the party while one group asked shop owners not to cede to the donation proposal, he said, adding that shop runners are in the dark about the two groups.

Amidst the situation, every entry gate of the shopping complex was found locked on Friday and this indeed was very unfortunate, Rafi said, adding that shop owner could help the party if there is no controversy and it would be unsatisfactory to extend donation in the present situation.

He then appealed to party leaders to reopen entry gates within 48 hours.

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