The All Manipur VDF (Village Defence Force) Welfare Association Central Committee unanimously decided to launch an Arms-Down, Pen-Down strike from 6 pm Tuesday demanding hike in their monthly honorarium.
The decision was taken during a meeting conducted on Monday and was participated by the representatives of All Manipur VDF Welfare Association from 16 districts of Manipur as the state Cabinet meeting held on July 21 failed to discuss the demand of the association.
In a release issued by general secretary (administration) of the association, it mentioned that all the VDF personnel of 16 districts should support the strike. Any personnel who fails to support the strike should bear the consequences, it stated.
The association has been demanding the government to increase their monthly honorarium to 75 per cent of the Manipur police constable’s salary besides furnishing 13 months’ pay and establishing a separate battalion for VDF.
According to the association, the VDF volunteers have been utilised like the police in tackling law and order issues in the state.
Initially, an honorarium of Rs 3,000, along with Rs 570 as ration money, was provided to the personnel each month. At present, the honorarium is Rs 7,500.
Currently, there are 10,050 VDF volunteers in the state.
