North-East Forum for International Solidarity (NEFIS) on Tuesday strongly condemned the killings of migrant workers in Manipur and alleged the state government of remaining a mute spectator to the incident of violence.
In the past months, the state has witnessed a massive surge in killings of migrant workers, NEFIS stated in a release issued by its member Thokchom Yaiphalembi Chanu.
Several instances of shooting of non-local migrant workers have happened in Imphal, Churachandpur, Kakching and Thoubal in the last few weeks, it stated. “These incidents are happening in the region at a very turbulent time when communalism and inter-ethnic clashes are being stoked, and anti-immigrant sentiment is growing,” NEFIS stated.
NEFIS strongly condemns the ruling government in Manipur for failing to ensure communal harmony and workers’ safety in the state, it further stated. The organisation demands that immediate action should be taken regarding this issue, and a thorough probe should be launched. NEFIS also demands adequate compensation to the families of the deceased persons, it added.
It is a matter of shame that though the labouring masses in this country are the wheels upon which the entire economy runs, they have been completely neglected by successive governments, it mentioned. The anti-migrant sentiment only prevails due to lack of jobs and resources in the region and instead of resolving these issues, the governments continue to ignore them, it further alleged.
The migrant workers only contribute to the economy through, and it is actually the capitalists and corporates who come to plunder the resources, it added.
