Losii Dikho highlights crucial role of trade unions at 3rd General Convention of NEFTU
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, March 01 2026: The 3rd General Convention of the North East Federation of Trade Union (NEFTU) was held on February 28 under the theme "Strengthening our common vision by reasoning together" at Asufii Auditorium Hall, Punanamei, Mao.

The convention was graced by Losii Dikho, Deputy Chief Minister, Manipur as the chief guest; Kuba Peter, president, NPO; A Saloni Tony, president, Senapati District Students' Association (SDSA) and RN Hannah, president, Senapati District Women Association (SDWA) as the guests of honour and N Athikho, president, Mao Council and Shuli Chakre, president, Mao Students Union as special invitees.

The event was hosted by the Senapati District Truck Owners Association, Senapati District Truck Drivers Union and the Manipur Drivers Association.

It may be mentioned that the North East Federation of Trade Union (NEFTU) was formed on November 30 in 2021 with representatives from 8 North Eastern States including Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Tripura.

The Union has been working for the rights of the working class especially in transport sector under the umbrella of North East Federation of Trade Union.

Addressing the gathering, Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho expressed happiness to host the convention on behalf of the State Government.

While welcoming all delegates coming from different parts of the North East, he acknowledged the crucial roles played by the trade unions in the region.

Even when the lifelines (NHs) of the State were cut off by landslides in the past, the Deputy Chief Minister acknowledged the yeoman services rendered by the trade unions in restoring the highway.

He also appealed to the Union to help bring peace and normalcy in the State.

Commenting on the reinstatement of a popular Government recently, he sought the cooperation of all to bring peace and normalcy in Manipur.

The State needs very strong support from all sectors, he said.

Having met the Union Ministers, the Deputy Chief Minister said that all of them stressed the need to bring normalcy in the State.

He also conveyed the Prime Minister's love and concern for the people of the North East.

Responding to the memorandum submitted to him, he assured to bring up the matter to the concerned authority as the Union has been performing their services diligently for the survival of the citizens.

In this regard, it is worth npting that the Senapati District Truck Owners Association and the Senapati District Truck Drivers Union had submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Chief Minister requesting the emergent need for provision of one Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance and one recovery van.

According to the memorandum, the National Highway that passes through Nagaland and the stretch from Mao Gate to Senapati district headquarters contain several accident prone zones, owing to poor road conditions, challenging hilly terrains and lack of adequate emergency medical facilities, particularly ambulance services, people face immense hardships during road accidents.

In the event of any accident, victims are compelled to travel long distances without proper Basic Life Support ambulance for transportation, which poses serious risks to their lives.

The absence of immediate emergency response facilities has resulted in avoidable suffering and at times, even the loss of precious lives.

Considering the frequent road accidents along this crucial interstate stretch, the bodies earnestly requested for the provision of one Basic Life Support ambulance and one recovery van to the district truck owners association and district drivers union at the earliest.

In his keynote address, NEFTU president Ruvese Sokha Angami recalled the formation of the Union which started with a few leaders who gathered at Kohima and deliberated over the constitution of a dedicated trade union.

With the participation of delegates from four States, the group discussed the formation of a body for the welfare of workers in the transportation sector.

Later, the body expanded to include the entire North East region and all eight States.

By now, representatives from all eight States are present in the body known as North East Federation of Trade Union (NEFTU), he said.

In his address, Naga People's Organisation president Kuba Peter expressed happiness to hear about the Trade Union for the first time.

For better functioning, he called for active participation of all States of the North East as traders include all kinds of businesses in a region and country.

Kuba Peter also pushed for coverage of the Union's functioning across all towns and cities in the region.

Delegates from various North Eastern States who were present at the event include representatives from DDTDWTU, Dimapur, Nagaland; DDTOA, Dimapur; NEFTU, AAMSF, Assam; AMMSF, Assam; KATOA.

Assam; APTUF, Arunachal Pradesh; Border Roads Organization, Arunachal Pradesh, NE region; MDA, Manipur; MGMWWU, Manipur; ABTA, North East and KDTODU, Kohima.

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