Striking teachers jailed
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, January 21, 2011: The 13 teachers on fast-unto-death demanding in toto implementation of 6th central revised pay bands picked by the police and sent into jail after producing them in a court today.

The 13 teachers were on fast since Wednesday as part of Council of Teachers' Association's intensified stir.

The jailed teachers are Lecturer Devendro Mangsatabam of Recent Higher Secondary School, Wahengbam Ibohal, Headmaster Bishnupur Chingmang High School, Shagolshem Gunamani, Headmaster Akham Primary School, Ningthoujam Ibochouba, Head Master Mahabali Rongmei Primary School, Tokpam Khogendro of Malom Tulihal Boys Primary School, Athokpam Chalamba Luwang, Head Master of Sanjembam Primary School, Namoijam Khogendra of Kha Imphal Primary School, Seram Mitrajit of Kiyam Primary School, Khwairakpam Premchandra of Bishnupur High School, Ningthoukhongjam Surchandra of Lairenjam Junior High School, Huidrom Ingo of Chaoyaima Higher Secondary School, Maisnam Romabati of Abdul Ali Hi Madrassa Lilong and RK Sovhabati of Bishnupur Higher Secondary School.

It may be mentioned that the 13 teachers began the fasting from January 19 in front of Keishampat Modhu Girls High School.

They were arrested by a police team today at around 10.30 am.

After the 13 teachers were arrested, another team of 16 teachers including four women began followed replaced them and started fasting from today.

They are Ch Kumar from Konthoujam, S Birmani from Wangoi, Ksh Ajit from Langthabal, Y Muhendro from Lamsang, H Mukundo from Uripok, L Kendrajit from Konthoujam, M Germany, M Surchand, A Santa from Kumbi, Y Manisangbi, L Chaobi from Nambol, A Indubala from Yaiskul, L Damayenti, O Kumar, Beirop from Bishnupur and K Mani from Kongba.

Speaking to the media, co convener of COTA, M Joykumar said that the demand of teachers to implement 6th Central Pay in toto is the rightful share of the teachers.

He said that COTA condemned the arrest of the striking teachers instead of giving their demand.

The decision to fast unto death was taken following the ignorance of the state government.

He said that the stand of the teachers not to do duty in census will remain unchanged.

Unfortunately, police personnel are threatening teachers of Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul district for their support of COTA's stand.

Condemning the act of police, Joykumar said that Jimmik Tangkhul, secretary of Ukhrul District Teachers' Association was hospitalized after he was beaten by police personnel today.

Joykumar said that the demand of implementing 6th Central Pay in toto in the state began from January 19, 2009.Sit in protest against the state government began from March 18 after the government failed to respond to the repeated memorandum of the teachers.

After a failed talk with the state government and teachers and arrest of members of COTA, state government invited the teachers to talk on the matter.

During the talk, a MoU was signed by state Chief Minister, Chief Secretary and representatives of COTA that the state government approved implementation of 6th Central Pay in toto in the state.

However, the state government is not translating the MoU into action even after eight months have passed after the signing of the MoU.

Moreover, Chief Minister O Ibobi himself assured to produce the pay structure of 6th Central Pay for the teachers on January 4 and consequently failed in doing so.

Following the ignorance and non responsive manner of the state government, COTA has been forced to undergo the stir of fasting unto death.

Until and unless the government translated the agreement into action, COTA will not withdraw from its stand, Joykumar said.

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