Wabagai Lamkhai Bazar Board opposes market name change

The Wabagai Lamkhai Bazar Board has opposed any move to alter the name of Wabagai Lamkhai Bazar, stating that the market has borne the name since the time of their forefathers and continues to be officially registered under the same name.
Addressing a press conference held at the Board’s office at Wabagai Lamkhai in Kakching district, Chairman Moirangthem Shajou Meitei stated that the market had been formally registered as Wabagai Lamkhai Bazar and altering the name would create complications, particularly in view of the certificates and other official documents issued by the Bazar Board. He further informed that efforts to establish the market began in 1973 by elders from Wabagai and surrounding villages, and the market started functioning in 1976. He added that the land where the market stands is presently in the name of the Bazar Board, and therefore the Board does not support any proposal to change its name.
Speaking to media persons, Secretary Mayengbam Nodiyachand clarified that the land for the present market was provided by Moirangthem Nimai of Wabagai Leirak Achouba without any bargaining. He stated that the land was given in the nature of a donation, with only a nominal amount accepted over a period of three years, following which the market was gradually established.
Nodiyachand further stated that after the registration of the market in 1993, land on both sides of the road, which originally belonged to the State, was processed accordingly. He said that while a portion of land was set aside for future road expansion, the remaining area was included in the Jamabandi Patta. He added that upon issuance of the Patta, all relevant government dues, including revenue and premium charges, were duly paid.
He also stated that during the initial phase, individuals who wished to open shops were allotted plots measuring 12 feet in width along with certificates. Those who could afford constructed their shops on the allotted plots, while others who are now attempting to build shops on their previously allotted land should not be misconstrued as encroaching upon free land, he appealed.
The Secretary further urged the concerned authorities to name the newly constructed market as Ema Keithel Wabagai Lamkhai, Hiyanglam Wabagai.
The press conference was also attended by members of the Wabagai Lamkhai Bazar Board.