Kwakeithel, Kongba Keithel to get facelift under central scheme.
IMPHAL: Along with laying the foundation stone for reconstruction of Lamlong Keithel, which is ot just one of the most important markets in Imphal East district but also closely associated with the history of Manipur, MAHUD minister Th Shyamkumar has informed that the old market sheds at Kongba and Kwakeithel would also be given a facelift under the Scheme of 10 per cent Lump Sum Provision for the benefit of North Eastern Region of
the Ministry of urban development.
Speaking as chief guest at the foundation stone laying ceremony of Lamlong Keithel which
was jointly organised by MAHUD department and Lamlong Keithel Development Committee, minister Shyamkumar noted that Lamlong Keithel is not necessarily for the people of Khurai area but for all assembly constituencies falling under Imphal East district. Noting that Lamlong Keithel has been associated with the history of Manipur, the minister further informed that the peculiarity of Lamlong Keithel is that it is the only market in whole of Manipur where one can sell and buy paddy.
The foundation stone of the market has been laid and as such the construction will begin in coordination with the bazar board, PWD and the women vendors. For the construction there would be some land requisition process. But the land owners would not be forcefully evicted. They would be given adequate compensation. Any problem arising out of the land acquisition process will be settled amicably before starting the construction, the minister assured,
and appealed to the people to extend full cooperation in this regard.
Shyamkumar further informed the gathering that not only Lamlong Keithel but also the market complexes at Kongba and Kwakeithel would be reconstructed under the 10 per cent Lump Sum Provision of Ministry of Urban Development which became operational from the financial year 2001-02. The state’s matching share would be earmarked in the July budget
following which a proposal would be sent to the ministry for starting the construction process.
Divulging that the foundation stone of Lamlong Keithel has been laid after sending necessary documents to the Union government, the minister said that the state government is planning to set up market complexes in every part of Manipur under the able leadership of CM N Biren.
Khurai AC MLA L Susindro, who was also present on the occasion as guest of honour, stated that Lamlong Keithel which was partially damaged in the January 2016 earthquake, had been remaining in the same condition for quite a long time without any repairing done. However, considering the importance of the market in Imphal East area, the BJP led coalition government decided to reconstruct the market, he said, adding that it is indeed a blessing for the people. The MLA also pointed out the need to construct a dormitory for women vendors of Lamlong Keithel so that they can spend the night as and when required.
He added that process for handing out loan of Rs 20,000 each through Bandhan Bank to women vendors possessing relevant documents would be processed soon. The function was also attended by PDA chairman T Robindro and MAHUD parliamentary secretary N Indrajit as guests of honour.
Source: The People’s Chronicle
