VDF body vows support to state-wide stir
Source: Chronicle News Service

Thoubal, July 12 2025: Irked by persistent failure of the government to fulfill assurances made to the Central Committee of the All Manipur VDF Employees Welfare Association, the Thoubal District Village Defence Force (VDF) Welfare Association has announced that it would support the statewide agitation if the demands remain unfulfilled within the assured timeline.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the association recalled that the state government had earlier committed to resolving the longstanding grievances of VDF personnel within a specific two-month timeframe.

These assurances were made following a memorandum submitted by the Central Committee highlighting major concerns related to the service conditions, pay structure, legal recognition and overall welfare of VDF personnel.

However, the association said, no meaningful progress has been made on the ground and that the deadline is now fast approaching.

Reiterating its primary demands, including full implementation of Section 18 of the Indian Police Act, 1861, under which VDF personnel are appointed, the association stated that this provision must be enforced to ensure proper legal recognition, status and protection under the law.

The association also pressed for regularisation of service for long-serving VDF personnel, many of whom have rendered dedicated service under high-risk and challenging conditions.

Another key demand is the enhancement of the honorarium or pay scale in parity with other state security forces such as the Manipur Police, Manipur Rifles (MR) and India Reserve Battalion (IRB), arguing that VDF personnel perform continuous duties involving similar responsibilities and risks.

At the same time, the association urged the government to implement existing office memoranda and government notifications concerning the rights and welfare of VDF personnel, maintaining that many of these remain unaddressed despite repeated appeals.

The association also urged the government to place the grievances and service-related proposals of VDF personnel before the Governor's Council for consideration and approval within the originally promised timeframe, stressing that timely action would help resolve growing frustration among thousands of VDF personnel across the state.

"If the government continues to remain inactive, we would fully support the Central Committee in any democratic agitation against the state government in pursuit of justice, legal recognition and fair treatment," the statement added.

Comment