MAHUD MINISTER KEEPS PROMISE, HANDS OVER IMA KEITHEL BUILDINGS

IMPHAL, JANUARY 23, 2018 (DIPR): Municipal Administration, Housing and Urban Development (MAHUD) Minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar today handed over the newly renovated buildings of Ima Keithel to the women vendors of the Khwairamband yesterday. On November 7, 2017, he had promised that the renovated buildings of Ima Keithel would be handed to the women vendors on day of Phairen Panchami.

The markets were handed over at the ‘Re-opening function of Ima Keithel Market No. 2 (New Market) and Market No. 3 (Laxmi Market)’ organised by the Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC).

The Ima Keithel Market No. 2, New Market (Imoinu Ima Keithel) and Market No. 3, Laxmi Market (Phouoibi Ima Keithel) were badly damaged in the earthquake that hit the State on January 4, 2016.

The two market buildings were renovated with the fund of Rupees Twenty One Crore, Ninety Eight Lakhs, Twenty One Thousand Only with the State PWD as the implementing agency. The work order was given on 26 October, 2016. All together 728 women vendors are occupying the Market No. 2 and 1195 women vendors at Market No. 3.

Speaking as the chief guest, MAHUD Minister Th. Shyamkumar appealed to the women vendors to maintain the sanctity and traditional culture of the market which has been followed since ages. He also appealed to the women vendors to keep the surrounding of the market clean, stating that the Ima Keithel is the face of the State which is the only women market in the Asia.

He said tourists are also attracted to the Ima Keithel, so we need proper maintenance and follow the age old traditional culture. It is our pride and all sections of the society need to collaborate to keep the market clean. He also prayed that the tragedy that struck the markets never happens again in the future.

Shri L. Lokeshwor Singh, Mayor, IMC as President of the function, Shri Bobby Waikhom, IAS, Secretary, MAHUD, Shri N. Gitkumar Singh, Director, MAHUD and Smt. L. Tombi Devi, Chairperson, Bazar Committee, IMC as Guests of Honour graced the function. MAHUD officials, IMC staffs and corporators, women vendors also attended the function.