Women vendors intensify agitation against Vishal Mega Mart

Women vendors of Thoubal Keithel today intensified their agitation against the proposed opening of a Vishal Mega Mart outlet at Zero Kilometer, Thoubal, declaring that the protest would continue until the Thoubal Municipal Council (TMC) formally revokes the licence granted to the retail chain.
As part of the agitation, vendors and shopkeepers of Thoubal Keithel blocked one side of the National Highway passing through the market area, disrupting vehicular movement for a considerable period. Following the highway blockade, the protesters marched to the office of the Thoubal Municipal Council and staged a sit-in demonstration at the council’s entrance gate.
According to reports, the agitation began in the morning with a sit-in protest at the market. The demonstrators later intensified their movement by blocking half of the National Highway before proceeding to the TMC office, where they continued their protest.
Speaking to reporters, a vendor identified as Irom Subasini said the agitation would be escalated if the municipal council failed to take concrete steps to address their concerns. She urged the concerned authorities to intervene and resolve the issue at the earliest.
The protesters expressed dissatisfaction with an appeal reportedly issued by the TMC, stating that the council had failed to engage in meaningful dialogue with the affected vendors. They demanded a clear and timely clarification from the authorities regarding the status of the licence and warned that stronger forms of agitation could be launched if their demands remain unaddressed.
The vendors have maintained that the establishment of a large retail outlet in the area could adversely affect the livelihood of local traders and market vendors who depend on the traditional marketplace for their income.