Manipur governor visits quake-affected

Manipur Governor V. Shanmuganathan on Sunday visited a hospital and enquired about the health of the victims of the recent earthquake.

He distributed sweets and fruits to those injured in the January 4 earthquake who are undergoing treatment at Shija Hospital near Imphal.

"I was in Shillong when the earthquake struck Manipur. I rushed to Imphal on January 9. I have visited the women's market and listened to the problems and demands of the women vendors. I have promised to look into their demands and I am sure the government will address the same," said Shanmuganathan, who is also governor of Meghalaya.

"I met some victims of the quake. Many of them have lost homes. But I am sure they will get new houses with running water and uninterrupted power supply."

Official sources said the governor may soon visit the hill district of Tamenglong, where the epicentre was located.

Meanwhile, women vendors of Kongba Market in Imphal East district blocked roads on Sunday, and no vehicle was allowed to pass.

Though traffic was obstructed till evening, police stayed at a safe distance, not wanting to provoke the angry women.

"The Kongba market which suffered damage is slowly crumbling. The market will collapse any day now. Under these circumstances, we cannot enter and sell consumer items," one woman vendor said.

"We are demanding the immediate demolition of the market complex and construction of a new one. We shall continue (with the agitation) till the government asks the authorities to act."

Voluntary organisations have started extending a helping hand to the quake victims. A large number of people donated blood on Sunday for victims undergoing treatment in hospitals.