Keithel deities reinstalled, new blocks rechristended with native touch
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 18 2010: Along with reinstallation of the sacred deities in its respective sites at the three double-storey Khwairamband Keithel market complexes the market sheds have been renamed giving it a native touch.

Since early morning today religious rites were performed in connection with the shifting of the deities from the nearby temporary market complex.

Attended by the Chief Minister and many of his Ministerial colleagues, the event culminated with the renaming of Purana Bazar as Leimarol Shidaba Ima Keithel; Laxmi Bazar as Imoinu Ima Keithel; and New Market as Phouoibi Ima Keithel.In all six deities sculpted by an artiste from Khongman Zone-III were installed at the three market complexes after the structures were brought from Johnstone higher Secondary School point by women vendors along with a religious procession.

Keithel deities of the three market complexes of Khwairamband Keithel being installed on the altar

After the religious rites were performed amid presence of the CM, Works Minister K Ranjit, IFC Minister N Biren and officials of the PDA.

MAHUD and IMC members of Peacemaker Artistes' Association and Tomthin Artistes Association staged Pizza and Kunti-7 plays as an added attraction of the event.

In his address to the gathering, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh called upon the vendors to ply their trades with strict adherence to cleanliness and decorum, while informing that regular power supply would be provided to the three market complexes.

Reminding all concerned that owing to its historic identity there is strong need for proper disposal of wastes as the venue is certain to be frequented by domestic as well as foreign tourists, the CM urged the market vendors to assist IMC personnel in keeping the market place in a hygienic manner.

Women proceeding towards the market complexes with Athenpot

In addition to separate enclosures for health care amenities banking and canteen facilities, exclusively for the women vendors would be opened in all the three complexes, Ibobi informed and added toilet/bathroom facilities with round-the-clock tap water would be provided for which nominal amount would be charged as maintenance tax.

He also appealed to the women vendors to move into their respective block in a calm manner in accordance to the serial number prepared/issued by the IMC authorities.

With regard to a number of women folk carrying out daily chores at the periphery of the main market complexes, the CM affirmed that these vendors would be allotted plot at the temporary market shed and that those found trading randomly at the footpath and at unauthorised spots would be evicted.

Noting that there would be about 2000 women traders who could not be provided space at Khwairamband, he also informed that these women vendors would be provided plots at Lamphel super market as a temporary arrangement.