IMPHAL, January 17: Clarifying on the controversial ongoing construction of temporary market shed at Thangal Bazar following the devastated earthquake that shocked the State on January 4, Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar asserted that construction of the temporary market shed is the need of the hour and that it is a State issue.
Notably, the Minister’s statement came a day after local MLA Joykishan fumed over the construction and intervened to disrupt it.
Addressing a press meet at his quarter at Babupura here today, Minister Ratankumar said that no political leaders should politicize the matter in an emergency situation like this.
He maintained that the natural calamity which is beyond the control of human had inflicted massive damages to the government properties and private constructions.
The consequent damages brought to New Ima Market and Laksmi Market has to be addressed promptly considering its importance. There is a need to vacate the women vendors from the market sheds as it was declared unsafe by experts; the Minister said.
He elaborated that experts who inspected the markets are yet to submit the final report on the basis of which the government was to take up action.
The Minister further clarified that the decision to avail temporary market shed for the displaced women vendors for the time being was taken after by having minute discussion with the Chief Minister, IMC Chairperson and Social Welfare Minister.
Stating that livelihood of the women vendors at the historical markets cannot be compromised at any cost, he explained that site for construction of temporary market shed for the displaced women vendors has to be within the perimeter of Khwairamband Market.
Under such condition, exceptional measure is needed to address grievances of the aggrieved women vendors, he said.
Referring to the intervention by the local MLA into the construction, the Works Minister said it is unfortunate that the local MLA disrupted the construction despite its urgency.
The Minister then called for cooperation and concerted effort to bring an amicable solution to the imbroglio over the temporary market shed construction.