IMPHAL, Feb 7 MNS NNN: The 24-hour Manipur general strike imposed by Village Defence Force (VDF) since last midnight had an effect on normal life in some parts of Manipur on Thursday as bandh supporters blocked roads to bar flow of traffic.
Meanwhile, reports said 12 VDF personnel posted in Thoubal district have been terminated from service in the wake of the strike spearheaded by All Manipur VDF Welfare Association demanding the state Government a hike in pay. However, the dismissal of the VDF personnel was not officially confirmed yet.
The bandh was effective mostly in the areas of Keibi Taretkhun, Sawombung, Sagolmang, Yangangpokpi, Porompat, Wangkhei, Irilbung and Lamlai in Imphal East district and a large parts of Thoubal district, sources said.
In Imphal, the strike could not hit Kwairamband bazaar as all the shops and other establishments, including educational institutions and Government offices were seen as normal. All kinds of vehicles, including passenger service by light vehicles were also active as usual.
However, inter-district and inter-state transport services were paralyzed due to the bandh.
Bandh supporters at Lilong Bridge in Thoubal district blocked the National Highway-2 (Imphal-Moreh) section as they burned tyres around 5 am.
No untoward incident during the course of the strike was reported. However, in some places like Thoubalkhong, Sawombung and Irilbung, the police fired several tear gas canisters to control and quell a large number of bandh supporters.
VDF personnel in Manipur are paid Rs 3000/- per month as salary. The state has around 10, 000 VDF personnel.
Meanwhile, the All India Union Congress, Manipur has written a letter to MP and general secretary, AIUTUC, New Delhi, Comrade Gurudas Dasgupta apprising him about the working condition of the VDF personnel in Manipur.
A statement released by AIUTU, Manipur said the striking VDF personnel have approached to the union to lead the stir and it has decided to support and take active role in it.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/vdf-strike-affects-life/
