Ima Keithel leaders allege attempt to defame market community

Representatives of five organisations of Khwairamband Ima Keithel today clarified regarding the recent assault on Mayengbam Somorjit Luwang, former president of the Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), distancing the women vendors of the historic market from the incident.
Addressing media persons, Kshetrimayum Shanti, President of Khwairamband Nupi Keithel and Saktam Kanba Lup, stated that the Ima Keithel community was “shocked” by reports alleging that mothers of the market were involved in the attack on members associated with the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI).
She categorically denied the involvement of the market women, asserting that certain unidentified individuals, allegedly disguised as Ima Keithel mothers, may have been behind the assault in an attempt to tarnish the reputation of the historic women’s market. According to her, on the day of the incident, a number of masked individuals were seen loitering around the Keithel premises. Vendors who were supporting the COCOMI rally initially assumed them to be participants, possibly wearing masks for protection against tear gas.
Kshetrimayum Shanti highlighted the historical and cultural significance of Khwairamband Ima Keithel, recalling its legacy in movements such as the Nupi Lal, and maintained that the market has long stood as a symbol of unity, resistance, and social responsibility.
She further stated that those responsible for the assault on Mayengbam Somorjit had acted in a manner that is “deeply condemnable” and contrary to the values upheld by the Keithel community. She also alleged that the individuals who disrupted the rally—organised with the stated objective of safeguarding the people and the land—were irresponsible elements seeking to create unrest.
Referring to previous instances, she noted that there had been earlier attempts by certain groups to sabotage public meetings organised by the Keithel mothers as part of broader public movements. The market community now suspects that the same elements could be linked to the recent assault.
The Ima Keithel representatives appealed to the public not to associate the women vendors with the incident and urged authorities to identify those responsible, stating that any attempt to malign the image of the historic market institution would be strongly opposed.