Barbers condemn extortion demands
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 16 2024:
Manipur Barbers' Association, which is affiliated to All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), on Tuesday conducted its general body meeting at Irawat Bhavan, BT road, to discuss armed miscreants slapping extortion demands on the barbers.
As part of the meeting the Association urged the government to ensure security and safety of the barbers, stop threat and extortion of money and to provide benefits of welfare schemes to the barbers.
During the meeting, AITUC, Manipur State Committee general secretary L Sotinkumar, who is also president of the barbers' association, alleged that the state govern -ment has failed to secure life of daily wage earners of the state, as could be comprehended from barbers facing unbearable amount demanded as extortions and threats from armed individuals.
While questioning rationale and wisdom of the armed miscreants for not sparing even the daily wagers, he also condemned such arbitrary acts of the miscreants as well as apathy and failure of the government to prevent threat and extortion to/from the barbers.
Speaking at the meeting, AITUC Manipur secretary Kh Shamungou recounted that instances of extortion demands and threats by armed individuals and organisations have been in the rise since the ethnic conflict broke out on May 3, 2023, regardless of the barbers' association making periodical contributions to various organisations.
While disclosing that the association had sought the help of the law enforcing agencies but to no avail till date, he conceded that in case extortion demands continue, the barbers shall have to cease service.
The secretary also appealed to all concerned to refrain from insisting on payment of money beyond the reach and capacity of the daily wage earners.