May Day/Labour Day observed widely in state
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 02 2022: The global day for labourers and workers generally known as May Day was observed throughout the state by different organisations on Sunday.

While some organisations observed the day as May Day, others marked it as International Labour/Workers' Day.

All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Manipur State Committee observed the 132nd May Day cum 16th AITUC Manipur state conference at THAU ground, Thangmeiband on Sunday during which floral tributes were paid to departed labourers and members of Trade Union Congress Manipur one minute's silence observed in their memory.

In his address, AITUC Manipur president Dr M Nara stressed the need for a united strength of the people to fight against people who are oppressing the common people.

He said that some wealthy people particularly corporates are accumulating wealth while exploiting poor people and affecting economy of the country in a big way.

He also said that people need to fight against the government-corporate nexus.

Presenting the annual report during the 16th AITUC Manipur state conference, AITUC general secretary L Sotinkumar said that there are more than 60 organisations which affiliate or work together with the union but COVID-19 pandemic hindered its activities.

However, AITUC carried out protests against anti-farm law, anti-labour law and labour law codification attempt of the government.

The union also demanded fixation of minimum wages for labours from Rs 18,000 and revival of old pension scheme instead of the new pension scheme, he added.

The conference later formed a 105-member general council and appointed new officer bearers.

All Manipur Trade Unions' Council (AMTUC) also observed May Day on Sunday at the conference hall of Manipur State Pharmacy Council.

During the observance, the council demanded release of the pending 3.5 percent DA/DR for employees and providing whatever benefits central government employees are getting to state government employees as well.

Meanwhile, All Manipur Progressive Farmers' Association (AMPFA) observed May Day at the training hall of Nongchup Imphal Loumee-Sinmi Chaokhat Thourang Lup while Working Women's Forum Manipur in coordination with District Legal Services Authority, Imphal West observed May Day at Uripok Khwai Brahmapur community hall.

Manipur Keithel Phambi Apunba Lup and Lamphel Super Market Co-ordinating Committee jointly observed May Day at Lamphel Super Market complex.

Functionaries of the two organisations and street vendors took part in the observance function.

Star Volunteers Corps also observed May Day at Heirangoithong Maibam Leikai.

On the other hand, All Manipur Manpower Upliftment Centre observed International Workers' Day at Manipur Dramatic Union on Sunday with AMUCO president Nando Luwang, AMMUC advisory board chairman N Mahendra and AMMUC advisory board convener S Bimolchandra as presidium members.

The International Labour Day observance organised by Royal Academy of Law, Oinam was attended by Oinam former MLA L Radhakishore, college principal Eliza and college GB secretary Jugeshor Singh as chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

All Manipur Government Drivers' and Technicians' Association also observed May Day at the canteen of agriculture office located at Sanjenthong while Ekta Parishad Manipur organised 'Landless Workers' Day' at Sugnu Makha Leikai community hall in connection with May Day observance.

The event was held with Ching Tam English School founder Khaidem Ratan Meitei, Khwairamaband Ima Keithel Lup vice president Wahengbam Luwangleima and Sugnu Nagar Panchayat chairperson Moirangthem Sarat Singh as the presidium members.

Delivering the key note address, Ekta Parishad Manipur state coordinator Mamta Lukram said that workers' society is the space for rationalising self-reliant community.

If workers are deprived of legal entitlement on land, they are marginalised.

Families which have possessed their homestead for decades are still unable to claim legal entitlement.

People are reduced to refugees in their own homes and land, she contended.

Khoupum Battalion of IGAR (S) carried out interaction and facilitation of working force on the occasion of International Labour Day at N Khunou in Bishnupur district on Sunday.

In a release, PRO IGAR (S) informed that the event was organised to encourage and assist the hardworking community for their contribution in nation building.

Assistance in terms of medicines and other essential items were also provided on the occasion.

Comment