Imphal, August 10: The cease work strike launched by the employees of Imphal Municipal Council for over two months has been intensified with the striking employees locking up gates and stopping vehicles meant for clearance of garbage in the city from carrying out their normal work.

The strikers are demanding payment of 10 months pending salaries and retrenchment of excess staff etc.

The employees under the banner of IM Employees' Workers Welfare Association and IM Employees Union gheraoed the office by locking the gate from August 7.The chairperson of the council Ph Guneshore said the stir was already in progress when they assumed office but they at their utmost level tried to improve the financial condition.

To replenish the income of the council they also insisted upon the Government to levy octroi tax by the IMC on some items like petroleum, dry fish and cold drinks, he further stated.

Such tax, the chairperson said, will enable the council to release the employees' monthly salary comfortably and regularly.

He lamented that the octroi taxes for the month of June and July was next to nothing as transportations activities came to a grinding halt on the two national highways due to the ceasefire agitations in the State.

In an action plan submitted to the Government they asked for sanctioning of Rs 2.5 crore as a one time grant so that it can clear up at least four months salary of the entire staff, the chairperson said adding that the Government is expected to give a positive response very soon.

However, when contacted the MAHUD Commissioner stated that the State Government is not in a position to sanction the one time grant and added that excess staffs of the council is a major factor for the financial fiasco.

On the proposal of levying octroi tax on some items, the commissioner disclosed that the Government is considering the proposal.

On being asked about alternative measures to clear the city garbage he said that vehicles could be engaged from engineering departments for the purpose.

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