Manipur government bans male vendors from setting up shops near Imphal’s all-women market
The 400-year-old Ima Keithel, or mother’s market, is Asia’s largest market run solely by women.
The Manipur government has made it a punishable offence for male vendors to set up shops near the 400-year-old Ima Keithel, or mother’s market, in Imphal.
Ima Keithel is Asia’s biggest market run solely by women. The state’s move is an attempt to preserve that legacy, reports said.
“Male vendors cannot sell their wares in and around Ima Keithel,” said Minister of Municipal Administration, Housing and Urban Development Thounaojam Shyamkumar Singh, according to The Times of India. “If any man is found selling goods at the women’s market, legal action will be taken under the Manipur Municipalities Act, 2004.”
At least 4,000 female traders sell goods at the market, Northeast Today reported.
The minister also said his department will begin a drive from Sunday to root out shops and vendors that violate municipal rules.
