Mao Imphal Market is now 10 years old
Journey to present state recalled
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 03 2025: The 10th Mao Imphal Market Day 2025 was observed today at Kabo Leikai Nongchup, Imphal West in a ceremony organised by the Mao-Imphal Market Coordination Committee.

The event was attended by Th Kiran Kumar, Secretary, Information and Technology; Scindia Laipubam, Assistant Commissioner to DC, Imphal West; Gangmei Ganguilu, Joint Secretary, Social Welfare Department; Huidrom Vikram Singh, Managing Director, HVS Construction Pvt Ltd; Ksh Chingkhei Luwangcha, vice chairman, Mao-Imphal Market Coordination Committee and Besii PFoze, chairman, Mao-Imphal Market Coordination Committee as presidium members.

The gathering observed a 2-minute silence in honour of the people who lost their lives in the Manipur conflict.

Describing the Mao community as very hardworking, Th Kiran Kumar lauded the industriousness and diligence that goes into producing their wares which are brought for sale twice a week at Mao market in Imphal.

Highlighting the uniqueness of Mao market, he pointed out that if other communities begin selling their items in similar markets then it would increase the availability of their products.

Delivering the keynote address, Khuraijam Athouba, convenor, Mao-Imphal Market Coordination Committee, recalled the inception of Mao market.

In 2015, vendors from Mao were banned from selling their goods at Nagaland by the Southern Angami Youth Organisation due to land disputes.

Under such circumstances, the International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) and other associations got together and held a meeting with Mao Union at their office and Mao Keithel was established on July 3, 2015 over Naga Nullah.

With people's support bringing strong sales, the list of products sold expanded over time.

Due to congestion, the market was shifted from Nagamapal to many other places and later it became a shifting market wherein the market was set up in different venues with the support of locals of the respective areas to be ultimately set up near MBC at Kabow Leikai, said Kh Athouba.

He expressed confidence that the Mao market will continue to exist in the future and that it will continue to receive public support.

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