Bid to open Khwairamband Keithel foiled

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 6 : Seven vendors of Khwairamband Keithel were detained by the police after they forcefully tried to resume their business today.
The incident occurred at around 3 pm today as the vendors, who have been left helpless and vulnerable due to the closure of the market for more than three months owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, tried to resume their usual business today.
The police detained 5 women in a bid to foil their attempt to reopen their business at the Khwairamband Keithel while the remaining two were detained later while they demanded the release of the earlier 5 detainees within 24 hours. Of the total 7 detainees, the earlier 5 have been reportedly released this evening.
Mention may be made that Mayanglang Phijoi Yonbi Ima Lup (MPYIL) and others who vend at the Khwairamband Keithel had set an ultimatum of 5 days within which the Government should come out with a proper plan to restore their business while keeping the safety norms in view.
Speaking to media persons, MPYIL members maintained that Khwairamband Keithel is a source of livelihood for many. The closure of the market on safety ground is good but the prolonged closure had hit them worst, they said.
They were trying to re-open their business with strict adherence to safety measures in line with the ultimatum they had set earlier, the members continued while questioning why the Government is reluctant to study their plight and allow them to resume their business on rotational basis under strict measure.
The detention of vendors is a highly "condemnable and unjust approach" on the part of the Government, they added.