IMPHAL, Aug 12 – Imposition of indefinite curfew in Manipur’s capital city and its periphery areas is taking its toll on the common people, especially the daily wage earners and the student community.
Even though they rushed to sell their wares during the brief curfew respite, women vendors who sell vegetables in the markets to earn a livelihood for their families are facing a huge loss. Piles of rotting vegetables and fishes, etc are lying on the roadside as the women hastily re-packed their belongings to head homewards when curfew was re-imposed.
“My son,when will the curfew come to an end?”, asked a middle-aged woman Ibemmu who has been selling vegetables for the last 30 years under a makeshift plastic-roofed shed in Imphal. The woman sells vegetables for a living in Imphal’s main market – Khwairamband Keithel and is a resident of Bishnupur district.
She said, for us,whatever amount earned from here (selling vegetables) is used for procuring essential commodities for the family. A fish seller from Mayang Imphal also experienced a similar hardship. Hundreds of other women vendors livelihoods have also been curtailed and threatened by the prolonged imposition of curfew.
On the other hand, thousands of students studying in the schools, colleges and university are forced to enjoy a second summer vacation in view of the curfew. All the educational institutions in greater Imphal area have remained closed since August 3 last. Some students who were supposed to sit for half yearly examination are still taking a break at their homes. “our examination is supposed to start from August 8 but it has been postponed due to curfew”, Rajashree, a class XI student said.
All Manipur College Teachers’ Association has been urging the government to bring an immediate solution to the ongoing turmoil in the State. M Lokendro, general secretary of the Association said, imposition of curfew has badly affected government colleges in Imphal and other parts of the State. T Roshnikanta of the rickshaw drivers association reminded the authority of the hardships faced by the people while urging to lift the curfew.
The students of the State’s premier college – DM College here have decided to surrender their books to the State Governor if they are not allowed to attend their regular classes. “Education should be left as a free zone”, said M Bidyaraj Meetei, of DM College, in a statement issued here on Wednesday.
Even though they rushed to sell their wares during the brief curfew respite, women vendors who sell vegetables in the markets to earn a livelihood for their families are facing a huge loss. Piles of rotting vegetables and fishes, etc are lying on the roadside as the women hastily re-packed their belongings to head homewards when curfew was re-imposed.
“My son,when will the curfew come to an end?”, asked a middle-aged woman Ibemmu who has been selling vegetables for the last 30 years under a makeshift plastic-roofed shed in Imphal. The woman sells vegetables for a living in Imphal’s main market – Khwairamband Keithel and is a resident of Bishnupur district.
She said, for us,whatever amount earned from here (selling vegetables) is used for procuring essential commodities for the family. A fish seller from Mayang Imphal also experienced a similar hardship. Hundreds of other women vendors livelihoods have also been curtailed and threatened by the prolonged imposition of curfew.
On the other hand, thousands of students studying in the schools, colleges and university are forced to enjoy a second summer vacation in view of the curfew. All the educational institutions in greater Imphal area have remained closed since August 3 last. Some students who were supposed to sit for half yearly examination are still taking a break at their homes. “our examination is supposed to start from August 8 but it has been postponed due to curfew”, Rajashree, a class XI student said.
All Manipur College Teachers’ Association has been urging the government to bring an immediate solution to the ongoing turmoil in the State. M Lokendro, general secretary of the Association said, imposition of curfew has badly affected government colleges in Imphal and other parts of the State. T Roshnikanta of the rickshaw drivers association reminded the authority of the hardships faced by the people while urging to lift the curfew.
The students of the State’s premier college – DM College here have decided to surrender their books to the State Governor if they are not allowed to attend their regular classes. “Education should be left as a free zone”, said M Bidyaraj Meetei, of DM College, in a statement issued here on Wednesday.
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