VDFs' guardians demand RR in line with duty
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 12 2022:
Village Defence Force (VDF) Guardians' Association on Tuesday staged a sit-in protest at Keishampat Leimajarn Leikai community hall, demanding formulation of an RR (Rules and Regulation) in accordance with the duty of the personnel and also for payment of wages comparable to present times.
Speaking on the sidelines, Association president I Gita pointed out that VDF personnel are made to perform the same duties as regular police personnel and then suspended/removed immediately from service in case of a mistake or complaint without even conducting an inquiry, which is basically violation of human rights.
VDF personnel have to take care of their families with the small wages given and those carrying out their duties truthfully, are not even recognised by the state government.
Stating that the parents/guardians of VDF personnel cannot tolerate such impartial treatment, Gita remarked that the personnel are made to purchase uniform, shirt, trousers, shoes and jackets with the little wage which is also often paid irregularly, while regular police personnel are given their monthly salaries on time.
The government should explain under which law the VDF was formed to be suppressed till date, the president demanded.
Gita continued that since VDF was absorbed by the state government, they have been working to maintain law and order in the state 24x7.Their roles during the Lok Sabha elections and also during the Covid-19 pandemic cannot be denied.
Even now, VDF personnel are aiding in the search and rescue efforts at the site of landslide at Tupul Railway Station, Noney district.
It would be wrong on the part of the government to continuously ignore the needs and difficulties of VDF personnel despite numerous memorandums submitted earlier, Gita said and demanded the state government to fulfil the demands made by the Association.
During the sit-in, the protestors held placards inscribed with slogans such as "Prepare RR in line with the duty of our kids", "Unreasonable to arbitrarily remove VDF personnel who have been in service for 13 years", "Give pay in line with present times", "We condemn rewarding others for efforts made by our VDF children", "Give official commendation/award to VDF personnel", "Prepare service book for VDF", etc.