Repairing work of Ima Keithels starts, women vendors protest
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 04 2016: Even as women vendors staged a dharna today demanding that they be allowed to sell their wares around the two Ima Keithels, which were damaged in the earthquake of January 4, Works Minister Ksh Biren today inspected the two Ima Keithels to oversee the repairing work which started today.

The women vendors of the two Ima Keithels had to be shifted to the temporary market shed behind Johnstone Higher Secondary Schoo but the women vendors have been maintaining that business there is slowl.

The Minister was also accompanied by the women vendors.

Repairing work of Ima Keithels starts, women vendors protest

Nupi Keithel Sinpham & Saktam Kanba Lup president Thokchom Ongbi Shanti said that Ima Keithel No 2 and 3 were damaged by the January 4 earthquake.

A Detailed Project Report (DPR) for repairing work was to have been furnished last month.

Since it arrived a little late, the reparation work could not be initiated in July as assured.

She said that the Works Minister has visited the two Ima Keithels today to see that the repairing work is implemented efficiently.

On the other hand women vendors of Ima Keithel No 2 and 3 staged a sit-in-protest below BT flyover demanding permission top sell their wares around the two markets.

Around 2000 women vendors were shifted to a new temporary market shed constructed behind Johnstone Higher Secondary School after these two Ima Keithels were damaged in a devastating earthquake that rocked the State on January 4 .

These women vendors have been demanding early completion of repairing works as sluggish business and congestion at the new temporary market has been giving hardships to them.

A woman vendor said that it is unfortunate that the Government has not repaired the damaged Keithels even after seven months.

Saying that very few shoppers come to the new temporary market shed, the woman said that they sometimes can't even sell a single item in a day.

As such, they have been seeking permission from the Government to sell their wares around the two Ima Keithels, she said.

Although, they have met Works Minister and IMC Chairperson regarding the matter, no action has been taken up till date, the vendor said.