IMPHAL, Nov 21? Despite the Centre releasing Rs 3 crore for welfare of ethnic tribals, the state government is in a fix over construction of a multi-storey tribal market complex in their (tribals?) area in the heart of the city.
While a section of the tribals pressed the government for constructing the market at the selected site, others have opposed the site selected by the government at New Lambulane, in the heart of the city predominantly inhabited by the Kukis. The huge amount of money was released in July last year but the government is unable to take a concrete decision to this effect till date. There are different 29 ethnic tribes in Manipur.
The proposed market complex would be constructed with a view to promoting cohesive existence among the hill and plains people and preserving the ethnic cultural identity of the tribal people of the state. Besides, the new market complex is to ensure that the unique cultural identity and tradition of various tribal communities living in the state are represented.
However, the Joint Action Committee, New Lambulane while strongly opposing the proposed construction of the tribal market at New Lambulane, has appealed to the Tribal Development Minister Phungzathang Tonsing to construct the proposed market at a suitable site either at Adimjati or Tribal Colony.
Stating that the plot selected at New Lambulane for constructing the market complex is inappropriate as it has no proper drainage system, parking space and is surrounded by government quarters on all sides, JAC said that it would be best for the authorities concerned to construct the market at a site where the area is not easily accessible and not dominated by one particular tribe.
JAC also stated that people of the area will also be economically affected as construction of the market complex will necessitate conversion of the whole residential area into a commercial area resulting in the hiking of all taxes payable to the government.