VDF personnel to launch agitation over their demands

IMPHAL, May 9: VDF personnel posted at various posts being opened up under the Manipur Home Department and those being attached to police stations who have been engaged in the maintenance of law and order of the state are set to launch a stern agitation if the state govt does not fulfill their demands till tomorrow.

A spokesperson of the All Manipur VDF Welfare Association disclosed that the total number of VDF personnel under the Home department stands at 10, 500. He said that VDF personnel have been engaged in maintenance of law and order and counter-insurgency operations in nine districts of the state. However,the honorarium of a VDF personnel, Rs 3000/- has not been enhanced till date, the spokesperson said.

It may be mentioned that the ration money amounts to Rs 1000/- but besides non-payment of up to date honorarium, some high ranking  police personnel use VDF personnel for their private engagements, he said. Agitations launched by AMVDFWA since January were withdrawn in the interest of the public following an assurance from the Dy CM who is also the Home Minister that demands would be fulfilled by telling them to wait for some time. As there has been silence over the demand till date, a stern agitation will be launched if its demands are not fulfilled he said.

The spokesperson of the association further said that a total of 42 VDF personnel were dismissed from service for supporting the demands of the association and signing a memorandum submitted to the CM. The 42 personnel include one VDF from Ukhrul, one from Senapati , nine from CCpur and 31 from Thoubal . He continued that all 42 VDF personnel who were dismissed from service should be reinstated.