Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN
Imphal, January 07 2009:
TAKING SHELTER under a temporary shed made of bamboos and covered with plastics, ten former underground insurgents who have surrendered to the government launched an indefinite hunger strike from today in protest against the alleged failure of the state government to provide basic needs to them under the Surrender Policy of the government.
Talking to media persons one of the surrendered ex-UGs informed that in 2005, 84 (eighty-four) surrendered youths were recruited to the state force out of which only 47 (forty-seven) were given regular posts while the remaining 37 (thirty-seven) were left as 'followers' and not given any regular jobs till date.
The surrendered ex-cadres also informed that the shelters of the ten families at the dog squad of the Manipur police commando complex, Ragailong in Imphal East were also demolished by the government recently.
However, with no shelters, a surrendered youth informed that ten of them were taking shelter under a temporary shed made of bamboos and covered with plastic sheets at the demolished site.
"Ten surrendered ex-cadres are currently taking shelter at the demolished quarters' site as we cannot go to our respective homes.
However, our wives and children left the place," said the hunger strikers.
The surrendered cadres also revealed that ever since they gave up arms in the year 2000 following the invitation and assurance of the government to bring them into the mainstream they have hardly received any benefits under any policy.
While informing that the agitation will continue until their demands were fulfilled, the surrendered have warned the government to address their grievances within three days time failing which they will consider themselves as rejected by the government.
The surrendered also warned that they could once again take up to arms if they were left in the present situation.