Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 08:
Conditionally supporting the proposed renovation and construction of multi-storeyed Ima Keithel at the Khwairamband bazar, the proscribed Kangleipak Communist party (KCP) said opposing development of society would be against universal aspiration for advancement.
A press statement issued by the convenor of KCP's Leingakleima Commission, Leingakleima Chanu said the organization accords maximum respect to viewpoints of certain section of the society opposing the construction citing it would forever erase the world renowned structures wherein only women members conduct day to day business activities.
Asserting that the organization had conducted an opinion poll, the outfit said an overwhelming percentage of 80 polled in favour of construction with the opposed 20 percent expressing serious concern of gradual extinction of the landmark once the construction activities are undertaken.
Despite the strong response for going ahead with the construction, KCP lays strong emphasis on preservation of the ancient structures and would never let pursuit of modernity reduce pride of Manipur to rubble, it affirmed.
However, considering the rapid stride towards advancement throughout the world hampering the process for development is not an agenda of the KCP who rather always put well-being of the people above everything else, said the outfit further and urged all concerned especially those opposed to the construction not to be confused by the remarks as the organization will ensure at all cost that the age-old structure would be preserved.
Acknowledging the concern of the womenfolk opposing the construction, KCP said while intellectual circles favor construction as their consideration is through external medium, the mothers (Imas) who had been eking out a livelihood at Khwairamband Keithel for ages are the only ones who know the location inside out.
Besides concern for preservation of the structures, narrow outlook and self centred attitude of the politicians are also another cause for certain women-folks opposing the proposed project, observed the KCP.
Taking into account expression of both sides, the people's court of the organization has adopted five resolutions wherein it has (a) approved construction of three multi-storeyed market complex, (b) commencement of construction after due consent of the women-folks who also has to shed off their personal differences amicably with progress of Manipuri society the central focus, (c) convening of a meeting by the Manipur Nupi Keithel Marup and participation by representatives of all organizations, (d) deliberation for no less than two days, non-entertainment of comments by those failing to attend the discussion or after the discussion period had lapsed, KCP to face those challenging the opinion of the people and (e) all out effort of the organization to implement the resolution.
The KCP, however, maintained that in case distinct identity of the historically significant structure could not be preserved no construction activities would be allowed.
The proposed project should not be converted into action for benefit of a few vested interest but as an avenue to expand scope for earning livelihood of the Manipuri people, added the Commission.
Meanwhile, the KCP also opined that endeavor of the UNLF in unmasking culprits behind the gruesome murder of eight year old Lungnila Elizabeth deserves the highest accolade as it clearly projects the goals of underground organization to address the grievances of the people.