Quake: Cracks seen on Manipur's iconic Ima Market, state secretariat

IMPHAL: The earthquake in Manipur has taken a toll on the iconic Ima Market, which is run entirely by women, and the state secretariat building.

Cracks were noticed in many pillars of the Ima Market (Mothers' Market) where around 4,000 women come every morning to sell all kinds of goods like vegetables, fish and clothes.

Cracks and the fear of aftershocks left the market deserted as women preferred not to risk venturing inside.

Jason Shimray, director of Relief and Disaster Management department, said it would take at least 2-3 days to restart the market after repairs.

Cracks were also noticed in one of the buildings of the state secretariat complex.

"Nobody is entering that three-storied building because there are several cracks on the two main pillars and on the walls," the official told PTI.

Altogether more than 175 buildings in the state have been damaged by the quake. But, the heritage Kangla Fort reported no damage.

"We are still getting reports from remote areas, particularly from the hilly areas. There have been some damage to roads and one bridge in Imphal. But, connectivity is fine," Shimray said.