VDF men to resume stir

Our Correspondent
THOUBAL, Jul 30 : The Central Committee of All Manipur VDF Employees' Welfare Association (AMVDFEWA) has resolved to resume the "Gun Down, Pen Down" strike from August 1 due to the Government's failure to fulfil their long-pending demands.
The announcement was made during a joint meeting held at Khongjom Chingtham under Thoubal district in collaboration with the respective district VDF Welfare Associations today.
According to Sanjit Sagolsem, president, AMVDFEWA, the "Gun Down, Pen Down" strike was previously suspended after they received assurance from the Government to address their grievances soon.
Though two months have passed since then, the Government has failed to take any concrete action and hence a unilateral decision was made to resume the "Gun Down, Pen Down" strike from August 1, he said. On another note, Md Idris, president, Thoubal District VDF Welfare Association said that the Government had asked for two months time to address their demands which include implementation of Section 18 of the Police Act 1861, service regularization, increase in monthly salary etc.
As the Government has failed to act within the specified timeframe, the Central Committee along with 10,050 VDF personnel have resolved to turn to democratic means of agitation and resume the strike.
He added that all VDF personnel in Thoubal district will support the State-wide "Gun Down, Pen Down" strike.
During the meeting, the gathering deliberated over the grievances of the VDF personnel. Many speakers also expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment meted out to VDF personnel by different Governments of the day.