AITUC stages protest demanding political solution for Manipur crisis
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 08 2024: The All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Manipur State Committee on Sunday staged a protest demonstration at Irawat Bhawan, demanding the Government of India's immediate intervention in finding a political solution to the present crisis of Manipur.

The demonstrators also demanded justice for the victims of Jiribam killings, fulfilment of Workers' rights and revocation of Armed Forces' Special Powers Act (AFSPA) 1958, which was re-imposed in the jurisdiction of six police stations in the State.

Speaking on the occasion, AITUC Manipur general secretary Laishram Sotinkumar denounced the Government's handling of the prolonged conflict which has been going on for more than 18 months.

He questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's continued silence on ongoing conflict in Manipur which has led to loss of many precious lives and rendered thousands of people homeless.

He also expressed concern over the inability of the Government of India and Manipur to protect the lives of the children and women in Manipur, despite heavy security deployment and militarization in the State since May 3, 2023 .

He urged the Government and relevant authorities to take immediate action to arrest the perpetrators of the Jiribam killings and trace the whereabouts of Laishram Kamalbabu who went missing from an Army camp located at Leimakhong.

He also appealed to the Central Government to initiate a political dialogue between the two communities to find a political solution and bring an end to the crisis.

Sotinkumar also criticized the Government for neglecting workers, particularly ASHA workers engaged in relief camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

Furthermore, Sotinkumar urged the Government to acknowledge the contributions of workers and take necessary steps to address their grievances and ensure timely payment of wages.

The demonstration was participated by a large number of workers, activists and CSO leaders including CPI Manipur State Council general secretary L Thoiren, Loumi Lup general secretary H Ibobo and Th Pumimashi.

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