The Wangjing-Lamding Keithel Shopkeepers Development Association (WLKSDA), Thoubal has unanimously resolved that they will not be able to provide any kind of financial assistance or donations to any individual, group, party, student organisation, or civil organisation for a certain period. The Wangjing Lamding Market Shopkeepers Development Association took the unanimous resolution after holding a meeting of the shopkeepers in the market on Thursday. Regarding the meeting, WLKSDA Vice President Yendrembam Ashakumar told the media that due to the current unrest in the State, shopkeepers are facing immense difficulties.
He said that shopkeepers in Wangjing Lamding markets are taking loans from banks for doing small business but due to several issues, those who took loans from banks are now unable to repay them. The situation has reached a point where they cannot even pay the rent for their shops. These numerous difficulties have been endured by shopkeepers up to this day, he said. He further said that despite facing many hardships, shops located in the old and new markets of Wangjing-Lamding have received donations of money from various student organizations, private associations, CSOs, and several parties, causing further suffering to the shopkeepers in the markets.
He said that a small amount of money earned from the shop is used for household expenses, and to educate the children. In the past, when the conflict was at its peak, WLKSDA didn’t remain as a silent spectator, instead they extended capable financial assistance to the brothers, he said. However, at present, the shopkeepers are also facing hardship, therefore, they have unanimously resolved not to provide any monetary donations to any organization. For this, the shopkeepers hope that no threat or intimidation would be given to the WALKSDA, he added.
