After attending meetings in Assam I started for Dimapur, the Circle head quarters of NE II Circle. It is in Nagaland. Although Kohima is the state capital, BSNL HQrs is at Dimapur. Along with Com. Bijoy Deka, Circle Secretary, BSNLEU Assam Circle, I started for Dimapur by the night train. There was heavy rush and somehow we managed to get sleeper reservation. The compartments are not maintained properly, there is no water in the toilets. In fact, most of the toilets are filled up with luggage, bags etc. There were a lot of unreserved travellers also. Anyway we reached Dimapur, where our comrades were waiting. The IQ, quarters of the officers etc are all on the upstairs of a Corporation building, since BSNL do not have a separate building for the same. There are about 7-8 rooms with 5 to 6 beds and a common bathroom, toilet etc. When I visited more than 10 years ago also, it was like this only. Because of the insurgency and lack of buildings the earlier situation continues. But there is a good building for the CGM Office. The meeting was held there in the Circle Council room.
Com. J.C.Nath, Circle President, BSNLEU presided and Comrades M.B.Singh, Circle Secretary, NE II, Bijoy Deka, CS Assam, Gulapi Singh, CHQ Asst. Treasurer and Arup Bargugor, CS BSNLCCWF adressed. I spoke briefly, due to lack of time as I had to catch the 1320 flight to Delhi, but touched upon all the major issues including the need to strengthen BSNL. The pending cases including the regularisation of TSMs and Casual labours in the circle were brough to the notice of the the CHQ by Circle Secretary.There were a large number of comrades including Casual and Contract workers. Till recently, there were no other union in NE II and almost 100% votes were for BSNLEU except in the last membership verification. I congratulated them for the high support to CHQ.
After meeting we rushed to the airport. Although I boarded the flight at 1400 hours, I reached at Delhi residence only by 22 00 hours due to the delay in Kolkatta airport.