IT News
Imphal, April 30:
The Coordination Committee (CORCOM) has extended revolutionary greetings to the people of Manipur on the occasion of May Day. In a statement released by CORCOM, they remind the people of Manipur of the significance of May Day, stating, “May Day, a day of significance for workers worldwide, traces its roots back to 1886 when the movement for an eight-hour workday emerged in Chicago.” In Manipur, the spirit of May Day is deeply intertwined with the legacy of Hijam Irabot, who led a movement against capitalism and feudalism, aligning with the revolutionary currents sweeping across Asia.
According to CORCOM, “this year, under the theme of “Social Justice and Decent Work for All,” we reflect on the enduring impacts of colonialism and feudalism on Manipuri society.” Lamenting the worsening economic situation in Manipur, CORCOM blames privatization, often rampant and unchecked, for eroding the welfare measures meant to safeguard workers, leaving them vulnerable without job security or social protections. Shockingly, over 80 percent of workers in Manipur lack any form of social security. It adds that women workers are bearing the brunt of exploitative labor practices, receiving meager wages and having no recourse in case of injury or exploitation from the Social Welfare and Labour Department.
Moreover, “fishermen, farmers, and laborers alike find themselves mired in dire circumstances, grappling with the harsh realities of an unorganized labor sector where exploitation runs rampant.” Speaking about the plight of small-scale farmers, the statement points out that the situation has been exacerbated by the rising trend of absentee landlords who control large portions of paddy land in Manipur. It reads, “the land is sold off to the rich in the villages and urban areas, perpetuating cycles of inequality and dispossession in rural communities.”
CORCOM concludes by saying, “as we commemorate May Day this year, it is imperative to recognize that the struggle for national liberation must converge with the labor movement. It “urges all to unite in solidarity, advocating for social justice, decent work, and the collective empowerment of workers. Only through concerted efforts can we challenge the entrenched systems of oppression and pave the way for a more equitable and just society in Manipur.”
