VDFs in stir mode, bodies back demand
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 14 2025: Denouncing alleged indifferent attitude of the government to their longstanding demands, Central Committee of All Manipur VDF Employees' Welfare Association announced indefinite 'Gun down, pen down' strike from Thursday.

In a release, the Welfare Association pointed out that their key grievances included implementation of Section 18 of the Police Act 1861, as per the VDF recruitment rules, increase in honorarium of VDF personnel and non-extension of VDF service, which expired on March 31, 2025.The association has been seeking redressal of the issues, but unfortunately, the government has not responded till date.

If the government provides a positive response, the association will welcome negotiations, it maintained.

The release further urged authorities to consider their demands and engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve the pressing issues.

Meanwhile, acknowledging role of VDFs in maintaining law and order, especially in the ongoing crisis, Bishnupur district denizens on Wednesday staged sit-in demonstrations in support of the demand of the VDF personnel.

They also urged authorities concerned to look into the demands raised by the VDF.

The Village Volunteer Force (VVF) of Kha Potshangbam, along with the local Meira Paibi activists, staged demonstration at Kha Potshangbam Maning, near the Imphal Main Canal, urging the VDF to continue discharging duties.

Speaking on the sidelines of the protest, VVF advisor Th Damudor Meitei appealed to the VDF personnel not to surrender their service weapons but to continue safeguarding the villages as usual.

He also noted that in-spite of rendering yeoman's service amid the ongoing crisis, legitimate demands of the VDFs continued to be ignored the government.

Similar demonstrations were carried out by Meira paibi activists at Tronglaobi Maning under Moirang assembly constituency and at Phougakchao Ikhai Mamang Leikai under Torbung GP in Kumbi assembly constituency.

Nongpok Sekmai Apunba Meira Paibi Lup (AMPAL) also threatened to launch intense agitations against the government if the VDFs, proactively engaged in maintaining law and order in the state, cease service.

AMPAL member Sinam Surnalata pointed out that Nongpok Sekmai is surrounded by several Kuki villages, including B Phainom, Uchalpokpi, Phouibi, Nongpok Phayang, S Kanan, Nongmaijing Tampak, Hei-noupokpi, Haokhong, and Mayai Chingshang.

She highlighted that, due to the ongoing crisis in the state, Nongpok Sekmai locals have been facing numerous challenges.

Despite this, around 20 VDF personnel, along with five Manipur police personnel, have been protecting the villagers.

However, reports that the VDF may surrender their service weapons if their demand for hiking monthly honorarium is not honoured, have triggered fear and uncertainty among the local population.

Surnalata expressed concern that if the VDF go ahead with their decision to lay down arms, the villagers would be exposed to serious threats.

She urged the Governor to fulfil the VDFs' demands and ensure they continue performing their duties.

Meanwhile, meira paibi activists of Sugnu, while affirming that the demands of the VDF are genuine, have urged the authorities concerned to address their demands at the earliest and prevent the surrender of their service weapons.

Speaking to the media, Sugnu Apunba Meira Paibi Lup secretary Aheibam Chanthoi expressed deep concern, and termed as regretful that the state government, despite deploying VDF personnel to handle law and order situations, has discontinued their service.

She described such inconsiderate gesture of the government as gross violation of human rights and pointed out that the government must acknowledge the sacrifices made by the VDF and immediately reinstate their service extension.

Comment