The Working Committee Khwairamband Ima Keithel on Friday raised grave concerns on the prevailing situation of the historical Ima Market and appealed to the state government to frame a ‘Women Market Policy’ to save the historic Ima Market.
Failure to frame a policy within the month of April will compel all the Imas of the state to take up different forms of agitation, said convenor of the committee Asem Nirmala while speaking to the media in Imphal.
She informed that the big traders particularly by the non-locals have started selling the goods, which were sold only at the Ima Keithel, at a market breaking price and giving a big threat to the very existence of Ima Keithel.
As a consequence, the vendors in Ima Kethel have started facing hard times in running their families, she added.
“To protect the livelihood of those vendors, we demand the framing of a Women Market Policy and ensure that the aged-old trends and rules of Ima Keithel are followed and declare the Ima Market as a cultural heritage site,” said the convenor.
In this regard, the committee on Friday morning submitted a representation to chief minister N Biren through the CMO official.
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