Manipur Municipal Administration, Housing and Urban Development (MAHUD) Minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar on Monday handed over the newly renovated buildings of women’s market popularly known as Ima Keithel here to the women vendors during a function.
On November 7 last minister Shyamkumar promised that the renovated buildings of Ima Keithel would be handed to the women vendors on day of Phairen Panchami-Saraswati Puja.
It may be mentioned that two (Imoinu Ima Keithel or New Market and Phouoibi Ima Keithel of Laxmi market) out of three iconic women market buildings located in the heart of Imphal have been badly damaged during the powerful earthquake on January 4, 2016 that shook the entire state besides killing around 10 persons and damaging many infrastructures.
The day’s markets handing over function which was organised by the Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC) was attended by Mayor L Lokeshwor Singh of IMC, MAHUD Secretary Bobby Waikhom, Director MAHUD N Gitkumar Singh, Chairperson L Tombi Devi of Bazar Committee, MAHUD officials, IMC staffs and corporators, women vendors.
The two market buildings were renovated with the fund of over Rs 21 crore with the state PWD as the implementing agency. The work order was given on October 26, 2016. Altogether 728 women vendors are occupying the Market No. 2 and 1195 women vendors at Market No. 3.
Speaking on the occasion, minister Shyamkumar appealed to the women vendors to maintain the sanctity and traditional culture of the market which has been followed since ages. He also appealed to the women vendors to keep the surrounding of the market clean, stating that the Ima Keithel is the face of the state which is the only women market in the Asia.
He said tourists are also attracted to the Ima Keithel, so we need proper maintenance and follow the age old traditional culture. It is our pride and all sections of the society need to collaborate to keep the market clean. He also prayed that the tragedy that struck the markets never happens again in the future. Other dignitaries also spoke on the occasion.