18 VDF men held
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, February 07 2013:
The indefinite General Strike called by All Manipur Village Defence Force Welfare Association (AMVDFWA), which commenced early morning today, partially affected normal life in Manipur.
Most of the passenger vehicles were not seen on the roads even though some autorikshaws, cars and two wheelers are seen plying.
The general strike also affected normal working in government and private offices.
Besides, crowd in Imphal city was reduced visibly.
Around 50 to 60 VDF personnel blocked the road at Sawombung area with logs, rocks and burning of tyres since morning.
In an attempt to disperse them and clear the road, Lamlai Police fired around 30 shots of tear gas shells.
Unable to disperse the agitating VDF personnel, OC of Lamlai Police came down and resolved the matter through talks.
A large number of VDF personnel also blocked roads at Imphal Moreh road, Mayai Lambi, Tiddim Road, etc.
On the other hand, in the last two days, Thoubal Police arrested 18 VDF personnel.
Out of them, 15 have been remanded to judicial custody after being produced before the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate while the remaining three have been given bail.
Manipur has around 10,500 VDF personnel, who are working just like normal policemen but they are given only Rs 3000 per month as salary.
Meanwhile, in a statement made available to the press, All Manipur Village Defence Force Welfare Association (AMVDFWA) has demanded release the arrested personnel without any condition and reinstatement of the terminated personnel.
The Association has also reiterated its demand for hike in their salary, allowing them not to be used by police officers for personal works.
While welcoming the proposal of Chief Minister O Ibobi for talk, the Association has made it clear that they would suspend their agitation if only the Government release the arrested personnel and reinstated the terminated personnel.