In a significant boost to women-led commerce and local infrastructure, Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla inaugurated the newly constructed Lamangdong Ima Keithel at Bishnupur district headquarters on August 20, 2025. The market, built at a cost of ₹7.2 crore under the Special Assistance for State Capital Infrastructure scheme, was developed by the Manipur Police Housing Corporation and is envisioned as a modern extension of the state’s iconic women-run marketplaces.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by prominent leaders including Bishnupur MLA Govindas Konthoujam, Deputy Commissioner Pooja Elangbam, Bishnupur Municipal Council caretaker chairperson L Maniyaima, and Lamangdong Ima Keithel Chaokhat Lup chairperson L Nganbi. The Governor also inspected the market sheds and interacted briefly with officials, although his departure without addressing the public left some attendees disappointed.
🧭 Lamangdong Ima Keithel: A New Chapter in Manipur’s Women-Led Market Legacy
The Lamangdong Ima Keithel is inspired by the historic Ima Keithel in Imphal, widely regarded as the largest women-run market in Asia. The new facility in Bishnupur aims to replicate that success by empowering local women vendors, promoting indigenous products, and enhancing economic participation.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Bishnupur District Headquarters |
| Construction Cost | ₹7.2 crore |
| Executing Agency | Manipur Police Housing Corporation |
| Funding Source | Special Assistance for State Capital Infrastructure |
| Market Type | Women-run, traditional and modern stalls |
| Capacity | Multiple sheds for local vendors |
The market is expected to accommodate hundreds of women vendors, offering goods ranging from vegetables, textiles, handicrafts, and traditional food items.
📊 Infrastructure Overview and Market Layout
The Lamangdong Ima Keithel comprises multiple covered sheds, sanitation facilities, and designated vending zones. The layout has been designed to ensure accessibility, hygiene, and safety for both vendors and customers.
| Infrastructure Component | Quantity/Details | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Covered Market Sheds | 6 blocks | Protection from weather, organized stalls |
| Sanitation Units | 4 units | Cleanliness and hygiene |
| Vendor Platforms | 200+ stalls | Dedicated space for women vendors |
| Parking Area | 1 designated zone | Ease of access for buyers |
| Security Arrangements | CCTV, local police coordination | Safety and monitoring |
The market also includes provisions for future expansion and integration with digital payment systems to support cashless transactions.
🧠 Governor’s Visit and Community Engagement
Following the inauguration, Governor Bhalla inspected the market sheds and reviewed the overall infrastructure. While his visit was brief, it marked a symbolic endorsement of women-led economic initiatives in Manipur. The Governor was accompanied by the First Lady during a subsequent visit to Sadu Chiru Waterfall in Kangpokpi district, where local representatives submitted a memorandum requesting the reopening of the tourist site.
| Event Segment | Description |
|---|---|
| Market Inauguration | Ribbon-cutting, inspection of sheds |
| Community Interaction | Limited engagement, no public address |
| Waterfall Visit | Sadu Chiru tourist site, memorandum submitted |
| Officials Present | DC, SP of Kangpokpi, village authority leaders |
The Governor’s visit to both locations underscores the state’s focus on infrastructure development and tourism revival.
🔍 Women’s Empowerment Through Market Access
The Lamangdong Ima Keithel is more than just a commercial space—it is a platform for women’s empowerment, cultural preservation, and economic resilience. Like its predecessor in Imphal, the market is expected to become a hub for social dialogue and community bonding.
| Empowerment Metric | Expected Impact |
|---|---|
| Economic Participation | Increased income for women vendors |
| Cultural Preservation | Promotion of traditional crafts and foods |
| Social Dialogue | Platform for community discussions |
| Gender Inclusion | Exclusive space for women-led entrepreneurship |
The market is managed by the Lamangdong Ima Keithel Chaokhat Lup, a local women’s collective that will oversee operations, vendor registration, and grievance redressal.
📉 Public Sentiment and Feedback
While the inauguration was well-attended, some members of the public expressed disappointment over the Governor’s limited interaction. Many had hoped for a speech or direct engagement with vendors and community leaders.
| Stakeholder Group | Feedback Summary |
|---|---|
| Local Vendors | Excited about new opportunities |
| Community Leaders | Appreciated infrastructure, wanted more dialogue |
| General Public | Mixed reactions to Governor’s brief visit |
| Civil Society Groups | Called for more inclusive planning |
Despite the muted public address, the market’s opening was widely seen as a positive step toward economic revitalization in Bishnupur.
🧠 Historical Context: Ima Keithel’s Legacy
The original Ima Keithel in Imphal has a 500-year history rooted in resistance, resilience, and women’s leadership. It emerged during the Lallup-Kaba era when men were conscripted for labor and warfare, leaving women to manage households and trade. The market later became a center for political activism, including the Nupi Lan (Women’s War) against British colonial policies.
| Historical Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|
| Lallup-Kaba Era | Birth of women-led trade |
| Nupi Lan Movement | Anti-colonial resistance by women |
| Post-Independence | Social and political hub |
| Modern Era | Symbol of empowerment and tradition |
The Lamangdong Ima Keithel seeks to carry forward this legacy in a new district, adapting traditional values to modern infrastructure.
📌 Conclusion
The inauguration of Lamangdong Ima Keithel by Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla marks a pivotal moment in Bishnupur’s development journey. With its focus on women-led commerce, cultural preservation, and inclusive infrastructure, the market is poised to become a beacon of empowerment and economic vitality.
As the sheds fill with vibrant stalls and community life, Lamangdong Ima Keithel will not only boost local livelihoods but also reaffirm Manipur’s enduring tradition of women’s leadership in public spaces.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available government statements and regional news reports as of August 21, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute political or investment advice.
