IT News
Imphal, Aug 8:
The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) Manipur organized a state-level trade union convention at the Manipur Press Club, focusing on addressing the ongoing crisis in the state and improving workers’ rights. L. Sotinkumar, AITUC General Secretary, informed the media that the convention prioritized finding a political solution to the 15-month-long crisis in Manipur, establishing a highway protection force to prevent extortion and harassment, and enhancing wages for scheme workers.
Sotinkumar emphasized the urgent need for a highway protection force to combat the growing issue of extortion on the State’s Highways. He also called for an increase in the honorarium for scheme workers, including ASHA workers, Anganwadi Workers and Helpers, and Midday Meal Workers.
Addressing the root causes of the crisis, Sotinkumar attributed the situation to the demands of Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists for separate administration, a demand supported by 10 BJP MLAs and two ministers. He stressed the necessity of a political solution to resolve this issue, noting that AITUC has consistently advocated for the improvement of workers’ living standards. Despite numerous policies and programs aimed at workers’ welfare, Sotinkumar pointed out that these initiatives remain inadequately implemented. He announced that the convention would pass a resolution and initiate a strong agitation to ensure that these demands are met.
Dr. Moirangthem Nara, President of AITUC Manipur, underscored the political nature of the current crisis, calling for serious political dialogue. He emphasized that the trade union movement serves as a school of social justice and appealed to the general public, stating that the union’s demands go beyond wage increases and aim to bring about social change.
The convention was attended by key figures, including Khaidem Mani, retired Acting Chairman of the Manipur Human Rights Commission; Dr. Y. Premananda, Head of the Law Department at Manipur University; and Dr. Moirangthem Nara, who served as presidium members.