'Workers of the world, unite' slogan echoes in State
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 02 2011: As observed across the world, May Day or the Workers' Day was observed in Manipur too at different places under the aegis of different organisations yesterday in commemoration of the workers' uprising in the United States of America on May 1, 1886 in pursuit of their demand to reduce working hours to eight hours in a day.

May Day was observed at Majorkhul community hall under the aegis of the Workers' Union Manipur.

The function held with the slogan "Let's work hard for a better future" was attended by Deputy Labour Commissioner E Tomba and Workers' Union Manipur advisor Prof N Mohendro as chief guest and president respectively.

Workers' Union Manipur (WUM) president Chonminthang, Regional Director of the Central Board for Workers' Education W Iboyaima and Panthoibi Sana Keithel Khwairamband president Ph Liklaileima were guests of honour of the function.

In their May Day message, the Workers' Union Manipur called upon the people of Manipur to be industrious for welfare of a society depends on financial health of the society.

Even as modes of working are varied, individuals working with his/her physical and mental resources to get wages and the results of the his/her works are all workers.

Showing due respects to workers is respecting the society and the nation.

A nation or society which does not respect its workers can never progress nor can there be any egalitarian structure.

Dignitaries attending a May Day observance function at Imphal

"On the occasion of the May Day, our workers must pledge to work harder with full understanding of our rights and duties for a better and new Manipur of tomorrow", the message read.

Speaking at the occasion, E Tomba said that the Workers Day was observed under the Labour Department only sometime back.

But today, the same day is being observed by different organisations, particularly workers' unions.

This new development is an indication of the workers realising their own values.

Highlighting the importance of the rights, protection and security for workers, Tomba said that the Government has been working to provide all the rights of workers as well as for their security and protection.

The Workers' Day was also observed under the aegis of Chanura Lamchinglen Kangleipak (CLK) at their Keishampat office.

The CLK said that May Day was observed in Manipur for the first time in 1939 when a rally was taken out under the leadership of Hijam Irabot in solidarity to the protest agitation of Digboi oil company workers.

The slogan "workers of the world, unite" has been a big inspiration to different workers' movements across the world.

The All Manipur Manpower Upliftment Centre also observed the Workers' Day in MDU Hall.

Social activist Dr Dhanabir Laishram, MU Associate Professor Dr Chinglen Maisnam and senior columnist Haobam Sanajaoba delivered speeches there in connection with the May Day.

The All Manipur Democratic Youth Front also observed May Day at Hotel Airlines, MG Avenue here.

Another commemorative function of May Day was held in GM Hall under the aegis of the May Day Co-ordination Committee of Trade Unions.

The function was attended by Labour and Employment Minister Ph Parijat, MLA N Mangi, AITUC general secretary L Sotinkumar, INTUC general secretary Yumnam Ranapratap, CITU leader Kshetrimayum Shanta, TUCC leader K Bimol and UTUCC leader K Manoranjan as presidium members.

Workers, men and women affiliated to different unions marched to GM Hall holding flags, banners and placards and shouting different slogans and the joined the May Day observance at GM Hall.

Addressing the gathering, MLA Mangi appealed to the Government to bring an agreement with the agitating street vendors.

The May Day was also observed at Jiribam too at two venues.

The All Jiribam Loumi Marup observed May Day at Mongbung village community hall while Manipur Loumi Lup, Jiri Area Committee observed Workers' Day at Jiribam Higher Secondary School.

Labour department of the Manipur Congress Committee also observed May at Congress Bhavan yesterday.