HGs to stop fast, other agitations to continue
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 29 2017:
The All Manipur Home Guard Employees Welfare Association has stated the Home Guard volunteers will suspend their protest fast but will still carry on other forms of agitation .
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club today, the association's president, Y Mangi said that the volunteers have been fasting in a batch of five members each since July 22 and the association will stop the specific form of agitation immediately .
However, the members will still take up other forms of agitation.
On August 31, the association and the Home Guard volunteers will meet and pressure all the MLAs in connection with the Home Guards' demands .
He pointed out that the association has met 23 MLAs till now, including some Ministers .
Mangi stated that the association will submit memoranda to the Prime Minister, Home Minister and the president of BJP and even try and meet them if possible .
After October 2, the association will further intensify its agitation, he added .
It may be mentioned that the association and the Home Guards have been demanding increase in remuneration as per the recommendation of the Supreme Court, creation of a separate division for women and immediate removal of Battalion Commanders .
Pointing towards the ADGP (Home Guard) statement in the media, Mangi said that the association welcomes the ADGP's assurance to launch investigation into the issue of taking salaries by some Home Guard volunteers without even reporting for duty .
Mangi claimed that the investigation will be more effective if it is carried out under the supervision of an officer of not less than IGP rank .
He also urged the authority concerned to make sure that the Battalion Commanders are discouraged from collecting and keeping the passbooks of the volunteers .
Mangi also added that a contempt case is still pending in the High Court of Manipur and depending on the outcome, the issue will be brought up to the Supreme Court.