Labourers urge withdrawal of quarrying ban
Source: Chronicle News Service
Thoubal, May 05 2024:
Stating that labourers engaged in quarrying/ mining activities are facing serious financial issues sub-sequent to the ban on sand and stone mining/quarrying in Ingourok River imposed by meira paibi groups and organisations of 14 villages, Sinmi Lup Association of Ingourok, Shikhong Muslim, Hijam Khunou, Ukhongshang and Langmeithet has urged all concerned to lift the prohibition for the sake of the labourers.
A demonstration was organised by Sinmi Lup at Ingourok community hall, Sunday, demanding withdrawal of the prohibition imposed on sand and stone quarrying along the Ingourok River which serves as the only source of livelihood for the workers.
The participants informed reporters on the sidelines that due to the ongoing ethnic conflict, there is no means for the sand quarrying labourers to go out beyond their area in search of jobs.
Under such a circumstance, they are depending on the sand and stone quarrying works to feed their families and send their children to school.
However, the meira paibi and clubs and organisations in and around Sikhong Sekmai area banned quarrying along Ingourok River which has put the workers in despair, the protestors said and urged the meira paibi, clubs and organisations concerned to lift the ban in the interest of the workers and their families.
They also appealed to the state government to arrange other means of livelihood for them.
The protestbrs also used placards which read "We are suffering due to the ban on sand quarrying", "We cannot send our children to schools" and "Give us the right to live" .