People's Democracy

 Manipur: DYFI Holds Fourth State Conference

THE Manipur state committee of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) held its fourth state conference was held at the Youth Centre of Sports Complex in the state capital Imphal. Held from September 12 to 14, the conference was attended by 107 delegates representing a membership of over 5000 youth. More than 2,000 people were present in the open session.

Just after the DYFI flag was hoisted and wreaths were placed on the martyrs column, DYFI general secretary Tapas Sinha inaugurated the conference. He outlined the challenges facing the youth movement of the country. Forces of imperialism led by US are trying all efforts to convert the third world nations into neo-colonies. Various institutions are being utilised for the purpose and even the blatant use of army, as in the case of Iraq, is not an option ruled out. Also, they are spreading their perverse culture that is harming the unity of our countrymen. While lamenting the failures of the NDA government, the speaker castigated the BJP for making false promises. It made tall promises of creating one crore jobs annually, but its rule has actually resulted into two per cent annual reduction. More than 70 lakh government employees in the postal, telecommunication and other departments have been retrenched or thrown out by the BJP government that is continuing the ban or fresh recruitment. The youth are being used by divisive, communal and terrorist forces. The DYFI has stood firmly against this threat. Its cadres are incessantly combating this onslaught and paying the heavy price in terms of their lives, as in Tripura, Kashmir and other parts of the country.

DYFI state secretary Y Ratan placed the report for discussion. The report highlighted the negative developments in Manipur under the Congress rule. There is virtually no planning with this government to meet the challenge of unemployment and underdevelopment. In a population of just 25 lakh, the state is having more than 5 lakh registered unemployed, that presents the alarming position of unemployment in the state.

The conference was also greeted by IFCD minister of Manipur, N Manisinghi, and the planning minister.

CPI(M) state secretary M Samu also greeted the conference and urged the delegates to build a strong organisation to meet the present day challenges.

The other fraternal delegates who addressed the conference were AIKS state secretary L Kunjo, A Binodeudevi from the AIDWA and SFI leader T H Machachi.

In all, 12 delegates took post in the discussion. The conference adopted 14 resolutions including those on centre-state relations, against imperialism, and against terrorism.

Later the conference elected a 27-member state committee with T S Jay as the DYFI state president and Y Ratan as the state secretary.