Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba on Monday called for recognition of Khwairamband Ema Keithel as ‘a living cultural heritage site’ during the zero hour of the ongoing Parliament session.
Highlighting its socio-cultural significance of Ema Keithel on the floor of the house, Sanajaoba noted that Khwairamband Ema Keithel was an economic hub, which had been one the key contributors to Manipur’s economy and run exclusively by women.
“It is not only a commercial centre but also occupies a crucial socio-economic space in Manipur’s history,” he said.
He noted that the women of Manipur historically asserted a dominant role in shaping the social landscape which includes leading the two Nupi Lal against British colonisers in 1904 and 1939.
Many of these courageous women were simple vendors at this very market, he added. He highlighted the significance of Khwairamband Ema Keithel as a stellar example of women’s economic empow-erment and a testament to Nari Shakti (women power).
The MP pushed for the recognition of Ema Keithel under Article 51A of the Indian Constitution, to promote the preservation of the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
He further appealed to the Union government to safeguard and preserve this market as an essential socio-economic landmark under Article 49 of the constitution.
