Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh led Congress government in the state has not decided for any immediate measures to provide permanent site for the displaced Mao vendors who were compelled to shift their market here in Imphal due to ban by a community of Nagaland over land dispute at Dzuko Valley. The suggestion raised by this newspaper collecting comments from various people of the issue about the need for a permanent market shed for the Mao vendor went in vain as the Deputy Chief Minister, Gaikhangam, who is also in-charge of Home today said that there is no immediate arrangement for providing permanent market shed for displaced Mao vendors who sell their products only once in a week.
Replying to a calling attention motion moved by MLA L Ibomcha, Gaikhangam said that the displaced Mao vegetable Vendors are being provided space at Nagamapal and Dingku road near Khuman Lampak Main stadium. Drawing the attention of the house MLA L Ibomcha suggested the government to make arrangement for the displaced Mao vegetable vendors at one of the first floor of the three Khwairamband Ima Keithel which has been lying vacant for many years for dispute best known to the government. The suggestion was not listen too as the Deputy Chief Minister gave no reply to this specific suggestions.
The Deputy Chief Minister however said that the displaced Mao vendor can be accommodated to the proposed market complex yet to be constructed at the complex of the Manipur Apex Co-operative Society located opposite to the ISBT complex. “Detail Project Report has been submitted to the North Eastern Council and has already been approved by due to some disputed land the construction cannot be initiated at the moment.
About the three empty space available at the first floor of the three Khwairamband Ima Keithel, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi said that due to hurdles created by the vendor lady of the Khwairamband Keithel nothing could be taken up. While making clarification to the discussion for passing of demand for grant of the Municipal Administration, Housing and Urban Development, Okram Ibobi said that the vendor lady had agreed to open a bank, Ist Aid center and a cafeteria. However, the proposal too, which had been agreed has also been opposed by the Khwairambandh Keithel vendors, said the Chief Minister.
The Mao Vegetable Vendors open only once in a week , that is on Tuesday. MLA L Ibomcha while moving the calling attention motion drew the attention of the Home Minister to take extra care on the law enforcers who were often alleged of collecting illegal charge from the vendors. To this Gaikhangam said his phone is open 24 hours and any person or police personal found indulging in collection of tips from the vendors can contact him at any time.
