Body formed against quarrying ban warns of stir
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 12 2022: The Joint Committee Manipur.formed by different associations against the ban imposed on sand quarrying by the government has warned of launching different forms of agitations if the government fails to look into rights of the labourers who survive on sand/stone quarrying and related activities.

Around 18 associations related with sand/stone transporters, stone crushers and sand/stone collectors held a joint meet at Patsoi on Thursday and formed a collective body called Joint Committee Manipur.

Committee advisor Wairokpam Jiten told media persons that the meeting discussed suffering of sand/stone transporters, stone crushers and sand/stone collectors after the government imposed ban on sand/stone quarrying.

The Government is yet to give its reply to the memorandum submitted in this regard and all the trucks seized by government remain in police custody tilldate, he said, adding the committee was formed to protect the rights of the labourers who are surviving quarrying related activities.

Associations which joined the committee include Sangaithel Sagolband Tata Tipper Association, NH-37 Dumper Carrier Drivers' Association, Sekhar Truck Association, Patsoi to Keithelmanbi Stone Crushers Association, Thoubal Turel Nung Leingoi Workers' Association, UK Road 407 Drivers' Association, Kha Maikei Stone Crushers' Association (Kakching district), Senapati District Motor Vehicle Owners' Association, Awang Maikei Stone Crushers' Association and Awang Maikei Apunba Sinmi Lup.

According to Wairokpam Jiten, the newly floated committee is ready to launch intense forms of agitations if the government does not take a decision on rights of the labourers.

The joint meet also appointed Moirangthem Mangoljao as president of the newly floated committee and Thokchom Kumar as vice president.

Moreover, Laishram Noren was appointed as general secretary of the committee while Wahengbam Oken and Mondak Kipgen were appointed as joint secretaries.

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