All Manipur VDF Welfare Association demands

IMPHAL, Jul 31
The All Manipur VDF (Village Defence Force) Welfare Association and its related organisations and committees have resolved to launch stringent agitation including indefinite fast till demands are met, said a statement of the association today.
Lamenting that the Government has been ignoring their demands, the association reminded that it had launched various forms of agitation including arms down strike since July 16.
It may be noted that the All Manipur VDF Guardian Association had recently submitted a memorandum to the Governor and Chief Minister demanding pay hike, regularisation of the VDF and several other welfare measures.
The All Manipur VDF Welfare Association, in its statement today, stated that the various committees of the VDF across 16 districts, the guardian association, legal advisory committee and advisory board held a meeting following COVID-19 guidelines and formed a 'Consultative Committee' to further strengthen their movement.
As per the resolution of the meeting, the All Manipur VDF Guardian Association will hold a sit-in protest at a location in Imphal greater region highlighting the grievances of the VDFs.  If the Government doesn't give a positive response even after the planned sit-in, the more than 10,000  personnel including those who are stationed at Community Quarantine Centres and COVID-19 Care Centres will leave their stations and abandon their duties,  said the All Manipur VDF Welfare Association.
The VDF personnel and all members of the related associations and committees will hold a mega meeting and launch a slogan rally towards Assembly hall and High Court complex on August 10 if the Government doesn't act in their interest by August 9.
The VDF personnel will continue the arms down strike in the meantime, however no stringent agitation will be launched on August 1 in view of Id-Ul-Zuha, the association said.