Will offer fish at cheaper price than State fair, say women vendors
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By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 28: Refusing to take part in the Fisheries Department's upcoming Emoinu Fish Festival, fish vendors of Khwairamband Nupi Keithel have declared that they will offer fish at cheaper rates than the fair.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Keithel today, fish vendor Khongbantabam Lairentombi recalled that the first edition of Emoinu Fish Festival/Emoinu Nga Kumhei was inaugurated by the-then Fisheries Minister Heikham Dingo in January of 2023.
The fish fair hugely impacted the fish sellers of Khwairamband Nupi Keithel.
In the midst of the ongoing conflict which has economically affected all types of vendors in the market, the news carried in many daily newspapers on December 25 announcing the Emoinu Fish Festival is unfortunate and insensitive, she maintained.
The following day (December 26), they attempted to meet the Director of Fisheries Department, but only submitted a memorandum as he was absent. The same was submitted to the Fisheries Commissioner in the Secretariat Department.
On another note, she expressed grief over some fish farmers subsequently holding a press meet and allegedly painting the Keithel fish vendors as unthinking people who have not contributed anything to the State's economy.
In contrast, she asserted that Khwairamband Nupi Keithel forms the backbone of Manipur's economy.
The fish sellers here have long maintained a close relationship with the fish farmer community.
They must be aware of the struggles the fish sellers have faced trying to keep the marketplace up and running in the middle of the Manipur crisis, she remarked.
Further reiterating their close relation with many fish farmers who supply fish to the vendors at the market all-year round, she asserted that those who support the fish fair and have warned to discontinue the supply of fish are only a few associations.
In response to the proposal to Keithel vendors to sell their fish at the Emoinu Fish Festival with stall arrangements for them, she said they will not lock and leave their home (the marketplace) just for a day of sales.
As such, she asserted that no fish vendors from Khwairamband Ima Keithel will take part in the Fisheries Department's fish fair.
Additionally, sale of fish procured from the festival at Khwairamband Keithel has been prohibited.
Any vendor found engaging in such acts will be permanently banned from the Keithel as per a joint resolution, she added.
Extending an invitation to all to come and buy fish from Khwairamband Ima Keithel, she asserted fishes here will be priced lower than at Emoinu Fish Festival.
Meanwhile, a long-time fish vendor and elder Kangabam ongbi Yumshangbi questioned how fish sellers will survive if the Government organises fish fairs even during Emoinu festival.
Hosting fish fairs during Ningol Chakkouba is one thing, but please spare Emoinu Eratpa celebration, she requested.
It is worth noting that the Fisheries Department is set to organise the Emoinu Fish Festival on December 31 in connection with Emoinu Eratpa celebration.
The Emoinu Fish Festival is set to be organised at Hapta Kangjeibung.
IMPHAL, Dec 28: Refusing to take part in the Fisheries Department's upcoming Emoinu Fish Festival, fish vendors of Khwairamband Nupi Keithel have declared that they will offer fish at cheaper rates than the fair.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Keithel today, fish vendor Khongbantabam Lairentombi recalled that the first edition of Emoinu Fish Festival/Emoinu Nga Kumhei was inaugurated by the-then Fisheries Minister Heikham Dingo in January of 2023.
The fish fair hugely impacted the fish sellers of Khwairamband Nupi Keithel.
In the midst of the ongoing conflict which has economically affected all types of vendors in the market, the news carried in many daily newspapers on December 25 announcing the Emoinu Fish Festival is unfortunate and insensitive, she maintained.
The following day (December 26), they attempted to meet the Director of Fisheries Department, but only submitted a memorandum as he was absent. The same was submitted to the Fisheries Commissioner in the Secretariat Department.
On another note, she expressed grief over some fish farmers subsequently holding a press meet and allegedly painting the Keithel fish vendors as unthinking people who have not contributed anything to the State's economy.
In contrast, she asserted that Khwairamband Nupi Keithel forms the backbone of Manipur's economy.
The fish sellers here have long maintained a close relationship with the fish farmer community.
They must be aware of the struggles the fish sellers have faced trying to keep the marketplace up and running in the middle of the Manipur crisis, she remarked.
Further reiterating their close relation with many fish farmers who supply fish to the vendors at the market all-year round, she asserted that those who support the fish fair and have warned to discontinue the supply of fish are only a few associations.
In response to the proposal to Keithel vendors to sell their fish at the Emoinu Fish Festival with stall arrangements for them, she said they will not lock and leave their home (the marketplace) just for a day of sales.
As such, she asserted that no fish vendors from Khwairamband Ima Keithel will take part in the Fisheries Department's fish fair.
Additionally, sale of fish procured from the festival at Khwairamband Keithel has been prohibited.
Any vendor found engaging in such acts will be permanently banned from the Keithel as per a joint resolution, she added.
Extending an invitation to all to come and buy fish from Khwairamband Ima Keithel, she asserted fishes here will be priced lower than at Emoinu Fish Festival.
Meanwhile, a long-time fish vendor and elder Kangabam ongbi Yumshangbi questioned how fish sellers will survive if the Government organises fish fairs even during Emoinu festival.
Hosting fish fairs during Ningol Chakkouba is one thing, but please spare Emoinu Eratpa celebration, she requested.
It is worth noting that the Fisheries Department is set to organise the Emoinu Fish Festival on December 31 in connection with Emoinu Eratpa celebration.
The Emoinu Fish Festival is set to be organised at Hapta Kangjeibung.