Ukhrul, August 12: The women vendors of Ava Market, Ukhrul, have appealed to the Chief Minister of Manipur, N. Biren Singh, to provide watchmen for Ava Market, Ukhrul.
In a press conference, the Chairperson of Ava Market, Ukhrul, Soso Zimik, stated, “Before the construction of Ava Market, we were selling vegetables on the footpath regardless of the weather conditions. Noticing our plight, CM N. Biren constructed Ava Market in Ukhrul and in all the hill districts of Manipur. Since then, we have been running our businesses comfortably in the complex, and we express our heartfelt gratitude to CM N. Biren Singh for the building.”
“With the change of chowkidars in October 2023, there has been a frequent occurrence of theft at Ava Market. We have approached the concerned authorities in this regard. The authorities have directed us to keep two women vendors on a roster system to take care of security at night. However, due to our various responsibilities at home, we cannot take on such duties. The previous chowkidars were very diligent in performing their duties and took proper care of our properties. Theft has occurred more frequently after the change of chowkidars. According to the authorities, the current two chowkidars are responsible only for maintaining the sanitation and hygiene of the Ava Market complex, including the pay-and-use public toilets.
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“The frequent occurrence of burglary and theft during the night has created hardships for our small businesses. Therefore, we humbly request CM N. Biren Singh to provide two watchmen at the earliest to look after Ava Market at night,” added Soso Zimik.
The women vendors informed that on July 28, 2024, a thief broke in and stole goods (second-hand garments) worth more than Rs. 50,000 from six stores. Again, on the night of August 11, 2024, goods amounting to Rs. 30,200 were stolen from ten stores.
The women vendors also informed that the vendor slot fee was raised from Rs. 150 to Rs. 300 per month by the Ava Market Committee. It is learned that this increment was made after five years. The women vendors expressed their inability to afford watchmen with their meager earnings.