IMPHAL, October 14: In a unique form of protest, wives of 61 labourers of the department of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution have threatened to boycott Ningol Chakouba festival demanding employment for their husbands from the concerned authorities. Meanwhile, CAF& PD labourers have announced a 24 hour general strike both along the NH 150 (Tiddim Road) and NH 39 (Cachar Road) from the midnight of October 16 to the midnight of October 17 demanding the same.
Addressing a press conference today at the Manipur Press Club, CAF and PD Labourers Welfare Association secretary Romendrajit Moirangcha said various democratic forms of agitations have been launched demanding jobs for the labourers from the concerned authorities but they remain silent over the issue.
Starting on October 18, the association will impose an indefinite boycott of all the loading and unloading works of FCI and other related works of CAF and PD, he added.
Speaking to the media, L Hemabati, wife of a CAF &PD labourer, narrated that their financial conditions are getting worse and they are not able to afford their children`™s education since their husbands remain have remained unemployed for six months long months.
`Since our husbands haven`™t received any salary for six months, we have decided to stay away from the auspicious Ningol Chakouba festival which is eagerly awaited by all married women every year`, Hemabati stressed.