Manipur Governor Vindo Kumar Duggal summoned Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh to Raj Bhavan on Friday afternoon to give clear-cut instructions to spruce up Ima Keithel, a three-part market complex exclusively run by women vendors.
He is also understood to have asked the Chief Minister to construct a diversion bridge at Sanjanthong in Imphal where the old bridge is being dismantled to construct a bigger one.
Accompanied by some officials, the Governor on Wednesday made a surprise visit to the Ima Keithel. He freely interacted with the women vendors and enquired about their problems.
There are some women who sell cheap meals to vendors. The Governor took a fried fish from one eatery and relished it.
The women said that even fused bulbs were not replaced with the result that they had to spend money on buying candles. Besides, anti-social elements were having a field day since there was no light in the market complex.
The Governor also found that the toilets were unuseable since human waste and dirty water was not draining out. Drains around the market complex are clogged and an intolerable stench permeates the air, posing a health hazard to people. The Governor also noted that the first floor of complex was unoccupied and roofs were leaking.
During the meeting the governor is understood to have told the Chief Minister to take steps for replacement of fused bulbs, cleaning drains, repairing roofs and making the first floor fit for occupation.
The vendors also demanded dismantling the perimeter wall since the vendors inside the market do not have any customers.
The Governor had assured the women vendors that all their demands would be met within May 16.
The governor is also understood to have asked the Chief Minister to construct a diversion bridge near the one at Sanjengthong. Without any prior warning, the government blocked traffic to dismantle the old bridge for the construction of a new one. Students and office-goers in particular of the Imphal east district face problems since they have to take a detour. The diversion road at Thumuthong is not practical since the single lane is yet to be improved by the Public Works Department.
