Tribal market reopens after four months
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, September 15 2023:
After more than four months, the tribal market at New Lambulane in Imphal East district reopened on Monday and tribal women vendors from different parts of the hill districts could be seen selling their produces in the market.
The market was reopened following a joint meeting of Rongmei Naga Luphuam Imphal Luangvian (RNLIL), Tribal Market Management Committee, different CSOs including COCOMI and department of tribal affairs and hills.
According to RNLIL president Chingdinliu Panmei, the tribal market was shut down after the ethnic clash between Kuki and Meetei broke on May 3 and ever since, the market remained closed.
Several vendors, who used to earn their livelihood from the market are left high and dry for over four months.
Keeping in view of the hardships being faced by the people, RNLIL in association with Tribal Market Management Committee reached out to different CSOs for ensuring reopening of the market.
TA&H department, COCOMI and Wangkhei Kendra Peace Committee played major role in facilitating reopening of the market, she said.
She further said that organic vegetables from different hill areas of the state are sold in the market and people in the valley area are buying them.
The farmers from the hill districts would buy Ngari and other items from Imphal and go back home.
In this way, the tribal market has been playing a crucial role in bringing unity and integrity among the people of the state.
Though the current crisis has strained the relationship to some extent, she expressed her belief that reopening the market will restore the relationship and strengthen the fraternal boding once again.