Manipur Earthquake Damaged The Only All-Women¡¯s Market In The World!

Imphal¡¯s iconic Ima Market, also known as the Khwairamband Bazar or the Nupi Keithel (Women¡¯s market) is possibly the only market in the world where all the traders are women. There are almost 4000 women traders in this market, who sell everything from food items, traditional handicrafts to basic household stuff.

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Recently, when an earthquake of 6.7 struck Manipur¡¯s Tamenglong district, this market suffered as well. About five people died and over 40 were injured. Activist Binalakshmi Nepram said in her tweet.

#Manipur's historic Women's Market The Ima Market is severely damaged in the #Earthquake that has claimed many lives pic.twitter.com/48SriQQXcK

¡ª Binalakshmi Nepram (@BinaNepram) January 4, 2016

According to a BBC report, this women¡¯s only market came up because Manipuri men were constantly engaged in wars with Chinese and Burmese and so the women had to take the charge of looking after their families. However, there is no historical evidence as to when this market was originated.

Previously, most women conducted their businesses from sheds. But now the entire market is located within four concrete structures built by the Imphal Municipal Council.

In a report published in 2005, Centre for Organisation Research & Education (CORE), Manipur, India, it was highlighted that these Keithel aren¡¯t just hubs of commerce, but also of information exchange and socio-political processes.

In fact, during lunch break, these women traders discuss socio-political issues and such discussions keep them aware and empowered.

After the earthquake hit Manipur, the Minister of State for Environment and Forest, Prakash Javedkar, visited Manipur to assure the victims that they'll get all possible support from the centre.

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Javadekar, also visited the Ima market and confirmed that a report on the damages would be submitted to the concerned ministry so that they can take required steps. He further added that he would appeal to the Prime Minister to look into the damages of the market buildings and consider the sufferings of the women vendors.

The women vendors have requested the Union Minister to construct new buildings instead of repairing the damaged ones.

We sincerely hope that this historic market is reconstructed and the women vendors continue making their livelihood, and carrying forward a legacy which is possibly the only one of its kind in the world.

(With inputs from this reddit thread and Times of India)