Imphal, March 06, 2010: At least two demonstrating activists of trade union protesting against price rise in Imphal on Saturday sustained serous injuries when police fired tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse them.

Over 250 people took part in the demonstration rally of the All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC), Manipur State Council as part of nationwide stayagrah/jail bharo stir against price rise, job losses, violation of labour laws, disinvestment in profit making Private Sector Unit (PSU), etc.

among other issues.

The rally kicked off from Keishampat Junction, at about 1.30 pm and while marching on the streets, police dispersed them at Khoyathong using mob dispersion devises, tear gas and rubber bullets.

Many protestors suffered minor injuries in the stampede but two of them hospitalized at RIMS Hospital with rubber bullets injuries.

Sixty-one year old Mayanglambam Gandharaj sustained injury at the eye while Nameirakpam Basanta (34) was hit by a rubber bullet at the hip.

The police action was strongly condemned by the president of the organising AITUC, Dr M Nara who termed the police action as atrocities meted out to the weaker section of the society.

"We condemned such type of violent suppressive act of the police.

It was a purely democratic and non-violence demonstration but government is dealing it with violence means," he lamented.

Before the demonstration rally demanding government immediate action toward controlling price rise was kick started, leaders, members and supporters of the AITUC gathered at Keishampat Junction where a public meeting was held.

Talkers in the meeting demanded creation of national social security fund for unorganized and agricultural workers apart from blaming the UPA government at the Centre for unable to control the hiking of prices of the essentials goods.

The protest was part of the nationwide campaign launched by the trade unions like BMS, INTUC, AITUC, CITU, CITU, HMS, AIUTUC, TUCC, AICCTU, UTUC, etc.

which was held Friday in other parts of the country.

"Today�s agitation is part of the countrywide protest mainly against price rise, violation of labour laws, disinvestment of profit making PSUs, job loss and failure of government to set up a national welfare fund for the agricultural and unorganised workers," said Nara talking at the meeting.

He observed that unity among the trade unions is the only weapon of working class.

Meanwhile, Manipur State Council, CPI today said that a delegation of CPI from the state will be leaving Imphal shortly for the National Capital to take part in the nationwide against the same issue which would targeted the Parliament.

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