MAHUD Minister’s unwillingness to construct Lamlong market shed angered Vendor ladies; staged protest

Imphal, March 23: MAHUD Minister Shyamkumar’s statement over the demand for speedy construction of Khurai Lamlong Keithel had angered the vendor ladies of the Market complex who have been earning their day today livelihood.  
Rk. Dhanabati, Secretary Lamlong Keithel Phambi Apunba Lup (LKPAL), said that Minister Shyamkumar had showed unwillingness to construct the Market Shed as there are no proper land for construction of the market shed.
Not satisfied with the MAHUD Minister’s response women vendors of Lamlong Keithel Phambi Apunba Lup (LKPAL) stage sit-in-protest demanding construction of the Khurai Lamlong Keithel at the earliest.
Speaking to media persons, Rk. Dhanabati, Secretary LKPAL said that though its already 2018, Khurai Lamlong Keithel, which was badly damaged in  January 4, 2016 earthquake was demolished for construction of a new market shed by the present government by the end of December 2017.
“It has been three months now and nothing is seen taking up construction of the market shed”, Dhanabati said.
Vendor ladies are earning their livelihood from the market shed and with no market shed the livelihood of the vendor ladies are being shattered, she added.
The temporary market shed constructed by Ex. MLA Y Irabot near Lamlong Girls School is not sufficient for the vendor women. Total vendors is 420, she added.
Dhanabati also said that local MLA of Khurai AC also stated the same which MAHUD Minister Shyamkumar had stated.
While, among the 420 sheds of women vendors, the government have allotted only 60 shed and states the rest won’t allot any place which is unacceptable, she added.
Dhanabati further said that a memorandum was submitted to Ex CM O Ibobi Singh for the construction of the market shed at Lamlong Girls School by updating the school to high school level as there are not more than 60 students enrolled.
Drawing the attention of Chief Minister N Biren, the association appeals to construct the Khurai Lamlong Keithel at the earliest, which is one of the largest women market in Imphal East District where women vendors from all the community earns their daily livelihood.
Different forms of agitation will broke out if their demands are not met, Dhanabati asserts.