SENAPATI: The 3rd General Convention of the North East Federation of Trade Union (NEFTU) was held at Asufii Auditorium Hall, Punanamei, Mao under the theme, “Strengthening our common vision by reasoning together.”
The convention was graced by Losii Dikho, Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur, as the chief guest. Guests of honour included Kuba Peter, President of Naga People’s Organization (NPO), A. Saloni Tony, President of Senapati District Students’ Association (SDSA), and R.N. Hannah, President of Senapati District Women Association (SDWA). Special invitees were N. Athikho, President of Mao Council, and Shuli Chakre, President of Mao Students’ Union.
It may be mentioned that NEFTU was formed on November 30, 2021, with representatives from eight North Eastern states — Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Tripura. The federation has been working for the welfare and rights of the working class, particularly in the transport sector, under the umbrella of the Northeast Transport Federation Union.
Delivering the keynote address, NEFTU President Ruvese Sokha Angami recalled that a few leaders had initially gathered in Kohima to deliberate on forming a union dedicated to the welfare of the transportation sector. With delegates from four states at the time, discussions began on establishing a welfare body, which later expanded to include all eight North Eastern states. Today, representatives from all eight states are part of the federation, he said.
NPO President Kuba Peter expressed happiness at learning more about the trade union’s formation and growth. He described NEFTU as a significant regional body with representation from across the North East and urged active participation from all states for its effective functioning. He also encouraged the union to extend its operations to towns and cities across the region to strengthen its outreach.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho expressed appreciation for hosting the convention in the state and welcomed delegates from across the North East. Acknowledging the crucial role played by trade unions, he referred to instances when National Highways were cut off due to landslides and appreciated the yeoman services rendered by transport unions in restoring connectivity and supporting the public.
He appealed to the union to continue contributing towards peace and normalcy in the state. Referring to the recent restoration of a popular government after the President’s Rule, he sought cooperation from all sections to rebuild stability. He also mentioned interactions with Union Ministers who emphasised the importance of bringing normalcy to the state, adding that the Prime Minister has consistently expressed concern and affection for the North East.
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Responding to a memorandum submitted during the programme, the Deputy Chief Minister assured that the matter would be taken up at the appropriate level.
The Senapati District Truck Owners Association and the Senapati District Truck Drivers Union submitted a memorandum highlighting the urgent need for one Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulance and one recovery van. The memorandum pointed out that the National Highway stretch passing through Nagaland and from Mao Gate to Senapati district headquarters is highly accident-prone due to poor road conditions, difficult hilly terrain, and the lack of adequate emergency medical facilities. In the absence of immediate ambulance services, accident victims are often forced to travel long distances without proper life support, leading to avoidable suffering and, at times, loss of lives. The associations earnestly appealed for the early provision of the requested facilities.
Representatives from various organisations, including DDTDWTU and DDTOA, Dimapur; AAMSF, AMMSF and KATOA, Assam; APTUF and Border Roads Organization, Arunachal Pradesh (NE Region); MDA and MGMWWU, Manipur; ABTA, North East; and KDTODU, Kohima, were present at the programme.
The convention was hosted by the Senapati District Truck Owners Association, Senapati District Truck Drivers Union, and the Manipur Drivers Association. The assembly of NEFTU continued in the later session.