Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 18:
To mark the Demand Day of the farmers, leaders of Manipur Loumee Marup and Centre of Indian Trade Union (CI-TU) jointly staged a Wakat Meepham at Keishampat Junction today highlighting the grievances and demands of the farming community.
The Wakat Meepham was staged from 11 am to 3 pm.
Thoudam Nilkamal, Langpoklakpam Kunja, Meitram Samu, Yumnam Mahendra, Kshetrimayum Shanta, Thokchom Joy, etc were among those who spoke in connection with the Demand Day observance of the farmers at the occasion.
The impact of the changing economic scenario of the country on the farmers and the other working classes, the need to safeguard the rights of the farmers and other working classes in view of the increasing prices of the essential commodities and failure of the Government to revise the wages inspite of hiking the taxes are some of the important issues highlighted by the demonstrating farmers.
The protestors demanded better road connectivity and electrification of the rural areas, adequate water supply, upgradation of the existing roads and bridges in Manipur as well as to put a curb on ever escalating prices of essential commodities.
Further, the protestors urged for tabling of comprehensive bills for the unorganised labourer and agricultural workers in the Parliament and proper implementation of the National Employment Guarantee Scheme, removal of the custom duties imposed on agriculture and other traditional industries, providing the necessary facilities under the Integrated Child Development Scheme, regularising the services of the Anganwadi workers and improvement of their living condition.
They also urged for implementing the labour laws and revising the minimum wages along with amendment of the Special Economic Zone Act and Rules in the interest of the farmers, labourers and other affected people.