Imphal, Aug 03: Demanding early completion of the Khwairamband Keithel complex now being constructed in the way and design agreed earlier, women vendors of Purana Bazar, New Market (Linthoingambi Bazar) and Laxmi Bazar today staged a sit-in-protest.

Later, the 3000 strong women protesters marched towards the Chief Minister's office but they were stopped by police at Johnstone Hr Sec School.

Only some representatives were allowed to meet the Chief Minister.

The protesters also held placards reading "complete construction within the stipulated time", "don't go beyond the agreement", "no organisation should disturb construction work" etc.

A memorandum submitted to the Chief Minister urged for completion of the market construction by October this year.

Later in the evening during a press meet, PDA Chairman K Ranjit appealed to all armed groups not to hinder construction.

He mentioned that frequent bandhs and blockades in the State have been impeding procurement of construction materials thereby delaying the construction.

He noted that construction work was suspended since July 20 following a huge monetary demand from one UG group.

Engineers and labours of the Simplex Project Ltd Kolkata entrusted with the construction work under NBCC are refusing not to cease construction despite assurance of security provided by the State Government.

They said that security would not able to save their lives.

The PDA Chairman conveyed doubt on meeting construction deadline.

The Urban Development had sanctioned Rs 74 cores for the construction of the three market complexes.

The sit-in-protest organised by the Khwairamband Nupi Keithel ShemgatShagatpa Marup, Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Shinpham Amasung Shaktam Kanba Lup and other bodies urged the State Government to abide by the MoU signed with representatives of the three markets on April 19, 2005.According to the MoU, the upper storey of the new market sheds would include godowns for the women vendors, toilets, hotels, drinking water tanks and other amenities.

It also mentioned that only women would be given plots in the markets sheds and no deposits for the plots even though taxes would be levied upon the women vendors.

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