Ima Keithel presents case to IMC

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 13 : Licensed women vendors operating at Khwairamband Ima Keithel, including the three markets and the temporary market, stormed the Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC) complex today and submitted a list of demands to the Commissioner, highlighting the difficulties faced by licensed vendors and problems arising from the prevailing conditions in the markets.
Following a meeting with the Commissioner, Assistant Municipal Commissioner Kshetrimayum Gyanendra informed the women vendors that the defunct toilet for women, above Keithel no 1, would be repaired starting today evening.
He also informed them that action had been initiated, in coordination with City Police, to remove unauthorised occupants from godowns.
Regarding the water supply problem in the market, he said the authorities are discussing with the Government to find a permanent solution.
He further stated that the City Police would take steps to ensure that street vendors do not occupy the area surrounding the four Ima Keithels after 8 am, as was the earlier practice.
He also informed the vendors that their grievances concerning the temporary market would be brought to the attention of the Government at the earliest.
Meanwhile, general secretary of Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Sinpham and Shaktam Kanba Lup, Thingujam ongbi Rani stated that they would wait for around 15 days to see whether the IMC fulfils its assurances.
She warned that the women vendors would launch protests, including agitations if the demands are not entertained and cautioned that the market could lose its identity if the authorities fail to protect it, adding that beautification and construction alone would not be sufficient.
The general secretary alleged that the IMC's failure to properly maintain the market has contributed to its deteriorating condition. She also pointed out that basic facilities, including power supply, drinking water and toilets, need urgent attention, as the women vendors are facing considerable hardship.
She further complained that licensed vendors are suffering because goods are being sold indiscriminately around the market.
According to her, the IMC had earlier allowed street vendors to operate from 3 am to 8 am. However, the growing number of vendors occupying the area beyond the permitted hours has created additional difficulties for the licensed women vendors.
She also demanded that the gate of the parking area of the three keithels be closed and secured until the construction work is completed.
Not only are street vendors storing their goods in the parking area, but men and women are also spending the night there, affecting the market's appearance and causing inconvenience to the public, she said.