Manipur: Shopkeepers in Thoubal market protest against monetary demands
IMPHAL: In a display of solidarity, hundreds of shopkeepers in Yairipok Bazaar, located in Thoubal district of Manipur, staged a sit-in protest on Thursday (May 16) against alleged monetary demands imposed by various outfits.
Shutting down their shops and businesses, shopkeepers gathered in the middle of the road, voicing their grievances.
Banners and placards bearing messages such as “Sit-in Protest Against Unbearable Monetary Demands”, “Don't Harass Self-Employees” and “Do Not Make Irrational Demands” adorned the protest site.
The Yairipok market in Thoubal district of Manipur witnessed a complete shutdown, with banks, government offices, and private vehicles joining the protest.
Organized by the All Yairipok Dukandar Association (All Yairipok Shopkeepers' Association), the protest aimed to address the ongoing issue of monetary extortion by various groups.
L Syamcharan, president of the association, stated that several outfits had been demanding hefty sums ranging from Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000 intermittently.
Despite fulfilling the demands of seven outfits previously, negotiations are underway with four other groups seeking exorbitant payments that have become unbearable for the association.
Syamcharan highlighted the relentless nature of these demands, with some outfits making requests two to three times a day, exacerbating the financial burden on the association.
Expressing concern over the escalating situation, he warned of intensifying the protests in the form of bandhs, dharnas, and further closure of shops and businesses if the demands persist.