Goods worth lakhs stolen from Ukhrul Ava market
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, August 12 2024: In a daring robbery, goods worth lakhs of rupees have been stolen from Ava market of Ukhrul town.

The items that were stolen include clothes, fruits, vegetables and other items.

There have been many thefts in the last few years, said the Women Vendors' Association of Ava market.

The association has submitted a complaint to the ADC Ukhrul as the market is under their supervision.

Speaking to reporters at the market, Soso Zimik, chairperson of the association, said there have been no watchmen in the market since October 2023, and in the past few years, there have been multiple reports of robberies.

Earlier, there were two chowkidars but they were relieved from night duty and specifically assigned for maintenance of the compound and toilet, she said.

Even though two women from among the vendors are given night shifts on a roster basis, they don't feel safe going out at night and staying late.

Besides, the women have their own household chores.

This burdens them and as a result, they are unable to keep vigil at night in the market, she said.

Soso Zimik said the robberies took place due to lack of precautionary measures.

An iron net has been installed on the first floor of the market, but the ground floor has been kept in the open.

This has encouraged burglars to intrude during the night and steal valuables, she said.

Meanwhile, she said an electric switch box installed in the market has been dismantled without any information.

The chairperson also expressed dismay that the monthly slot rent has been hiked from Rs 150 to Rs 300 by the ADC without any consultation with the women vendors.

The Ava Market has more than 200 women vendors selling goods and earning livelihoods.

The women vendors have urged the authorities concerned to employ watchmen.

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