Imphal, December 16 2010: The 4th largest book fair in North East India, the 19th edition of Imphal book fair opened yesterday December 15 organized by State Central Library in partnership with Raja Ram Mohan Roy Foundation, Kolkata at Iboyaima Sumang Leela Sanglen, Palace Compound in Imphal.

Ph Parijat, health minister, K Sobita Devi, director art and culture, MLA Kunjakeshore inaugurated the book fair that has 30 distributors and publishers exhibiting their products to the discerning readers of the State.

Around 10 book firms from Kolkata, Guwahati, Assam have also been displaying their books in the fair. On the 2nd day of the fair today, as book lovers from across the State descended at the venue, defective and faulty construction on the part of the contractor/management has led to the scaffolding of some stalls fall apart which eventually led to the collapse.

One of the publishers and distributors from Delhi rued that the manner in which the stalls are being built is unsatisfactory and undeserving of the 4th largest book fair in the North East.

The racks are not proportionate to the book sizes, no table or chair were issued apart from the table meant for displaying books at the fair.

The management has not done enough for the participants while charging Rs 300 per stall.

Later on art and culture director, Sobita Devi inspected the collapsed stalls and has reportedly taken to task the contractors who are responsible for the decrepit construction of the stalls.

Two groups of contractors, one headed by Md Nanao and Md Naresh form Kairang Imphal West and the other Lousan groups have been identified as culprits.

Speaking to media persons, Sobita expressed her sadness on the unfortunate incident and has assured that the contractors will be penalized stalls promptly rebuilt and installments and deposits of the stallers refunded.

She also assured for seeking from the government for the extension of the fair for one day given the unfortunate incident.

The fair however sprung back to smooth reveling.

Also briefing the media, Soram Tampak Leima, chief librarian Manipur, said that the fair is a pleasant opportunity for students, academicians, intellectuals and discerning book lovers of the State to collect books of their choice which are otherwise not available in the State.

Apart from the crown pulling 10 percent discount during the fair, business opportunities for publishers and distributors can not be understated.

There will also provide ample opportunity for interaction with publishers and authors, he maintained.

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