VDFs call indefinite Manipur bandh
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 05 2013: The All Manipur VDF Welfare Association has called indefinite Manipur bandh with effect from midnight tomorrow.

Speaking to media persons, one leader of the association said that they are compelled to call the bandh as their democratic protest movements were not heard by the authority.

The VDFs are protesting against their pay structure which amounts to only Rs 3000 per month and use of VDF personnel like slaves by some police officers.

In spite of getting only Rs 3000 per month, the VDF's were doing their duties and many personnel were injured and even maimed in the line of duty.

However, rather than acknowledging the hardships endured by the VDF personnel, some officers have been using VDF personnel in their private works like harvesting paddy, construction of houses etc in the most inhuman manner.

Though the VDF personnel were asked to do all sorts of odd domestic works, they were not given any refreshment, forget about wages, the leader said.

Taking advantage of the weak position of VDF, there were instances when an ordinary policeman used VDF personnel in their domestic works.

VDF personnel were recruited in 2009 and 2010 through open recruitment processes.

Since then, many personnel have either resigned or dismissed.

But the replacements were not recruited through an open or transparent process.

Some police officers recruited the replacements at their own whims.

On the other hand, the existing personnel were recruited after spending Rs 30,000 to 90,000 and they are getting just Rs 3000 as salary which is a pittance, lamented the leader.

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