Ibobi discards the carrot for the stick, MASS undeterred
Join duty today or get sacked : CM to employees
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 13 2010: Opting for ther stick rather than the carrot, Chief Minister O Ibobi, while appealing to the striking Government employees with to join duty with effect from tomorrow, has categorically stated that the Government may have no option but to take up disciplinary action against the employees.

In a statement issued from the Chief Minister's Secretariat today, it was explicitly stated, "As a last resort the Government may be compelled to engage staff on contract basis and resume full functioning.

In such an eventuality, the striking/absenting staff will not be given any second chance to attend to their duties again" .

The employees, under the overall aegis of the JAC of AMTUC and AMGEO have been on a cease work strike since the early part of April, demanding the implementation of the 6th Pay recommendations in toto, while the Government had explained that there is no resources to meet the required amount of Rs 2000 to pay the arrears of the Government employees with effect from January, 2006 .

An abandoned office room at the Manipur Secretariat

Citing the tense situation in the State arising out of the proposed visit of Th Muivah to his birth place, the Chief Minister appealed to the striking Government employees to call off their strike and resume duty in the interest of the State.

The Chief Minister has also assured that the genuine demands of the employees will be considered in sync with the resources of the State.

Expressing deep concern over the ongoing cease work strike, the Chief Minister has also expressed anguish over the ongoing strike, when the State deeply requires the service of each and every Government employee, said the statement.

Apart from addressing the hindrances posed by the ongoing cease work strike at this critical juncture, the Chief Minister has also appealed to the people of Manipur to remain calm and exercise patience in the face of the tense situation at Mao as well as the ongoing economic blockade.

Assuring the people that the Government is exploring all means and taking up all necessary measures to normalise the State, the Chief Minister said that alternative arrangements are being made on an emergency basis for supply of life saving drugs and essential commodities.

The Chief Minister has also urged the people not to take undue advantage of the grave situation and hoard goods and sell them in the black markets at inflated rates.

Stringent action will be taken up against such elements, added the statement.

On the other hand, the Manipur Secretariat Services Association (MASS) has categorically stated that they would not budge an inch from their stand and urged all the employees not to buckle under threats of the Government.

In a statement issued to the press today, MASS said that representatives from MASS, JAC of AMTUC and AMGEO and COTA had met the Revenue Minister at his office chamber and minutely discussed the issue.

The Revenue Minister, Th Devendra who heads the Cabinet sub-committee, to work out a solution to the impasse, as well as other members of the sub-committee had assured that the matter would be put up before the Chief Minister for discussion.

However instead of trying to find an amicable solution, the Government has resorted to taking up tough measures, which is not acceptable to MASS at all, said the statement.

Reiterating that it would not budge from its stand, MASS urged all the Government employees to cave in to the threats of the Government and stick to their stand.

It has also appealed to the public not to be misled by any elements.