Union protests 'physical assault' on CSI
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 22 2018: Condemning the alleged physical assault on Sh Shinghajit Singh, Civil Supply Inspector (CSI), Bishnupur in his office by one Oinam (O) Inaobi Devi of Nambol Lourembam on February 20 last, Directorate of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Employees Union, Manipur launched a one-day pen-down strike and staged a sit in protest at FCS Office, Sangaiprou, Imphal West today.

Speaking to media persons at the protest site, CSI Shinghajit alleged that Oinam (O) Inaobi Devi physically assaulted him in front of all the staff and everyone present in the office while he was discussing the appointment of FPS agents and termination as per the decision/order given by High Court of Manipur with a group of leaders who came along with Inaobi on February 20 last.

Union protests 'physical assault' on CSI

Contended that Inaobi attacked him all of a sudden while discussing the matter, Shinghajit termed the physical attack as a dastardly act.

President of the employees union SA Halim Choudhury who is also the DSO of Chandel condemned the act in the strongest terms, saying that the staff of FCS have been made scapegoats following the disagreement between various parties in the appointment of FPS agents.

He claimed that pressures are being exerted from several quarters who also meted out harassment and violence to them in many instances.

Clarifying that FPS agents are appointed/selected by the concerned appointment and selection committees and later recommended by SDOs and others concerned, he made it clear that the staff of FCS, particularly the CSIs have nothing to do in this regard.

He said that the FCS staff have also to comply with the directives/orders given by the Courts as they may face contempt of court if they do not fulfill the orders/directives.

He elaborated that appointment orders for FPS agents are often withheld, cancelled and even replaced with others on account of multiple PIL,s filed in the Courts with regard to appointment of FPS agents.

Saying that staff of FCS are being alleged of indulging in wrongdoings regarding distribution of PDA items under NFSA and even reported in media by some persons, he clarified that there have been no instances where FCS staff are found indulged in wrongdoings.

All the charges levelled against them are baseless, he added.

He appealed to all not to give any kind of disturbance to the FCS staff in the future and instead extend cooperation to them.