Imphal’s Iconic Mothers’ Market Hit by Quake; Vendors Protest

The Manipur earthquake damaged several pillars and left cracks on walls at Imphal’s women’s only market.

The damaged pillars of Imphal’s Mothers’ Market. (Photo Courtesy: Twitter)

Vendors of the women’s only market in Manipur, the iconic Mothers’ Market, launched a protest against the deputy chief minister of the State on Monday alleging that poor materials were used for building the markets.

Monday’s earthquake damaged several pillars and left cracks on walls.

When Manipur’s public works minister Dr Kh Ratan Singh visited the site with Deputy CM Gaikhangam Gangmei, the agitation started which prevented their entry.

Singh assured the protestors that the government would address their concerns.

<p>We cannot challenge nature’s wrath. What we can and should do is reinforce or strengthen the damaged portions of the buildings after conducting a proper study.</p>

<b>Gaikhangam Gangmei, Deputy Chief Minister, Manipur</b>

He requested the women to help the officials conduct a proper study of the area. Gaikhangam, who is also the Home Minister of the State added, “If necessary, we will construct new markets.”

Long-standing demand by the vendors for new buildings forced the government to construct three multi-storied markets in November 2010 that was inaugurated by Congress chief Sonia Gandhi. The three Ima (‘mother’) markets attract a lot of tourist attention.