IMPHAL, March 25: A silent rally of Village Defence Force (VDF) personnel who were heading towards Chief Minister`™s Bungalow at Babupara to submit a memorandum to the CM had a scuffle with police personnel who were trying to stop them, injuring at least 10 VDF personnel.
The incident happened this afternoon at around 3:30 at near ABC godown near Khoyathong Traffic Point under Imphal Police Station.
Around 1000 personnel of VDF had a meeting here at THAU ground, Thangmeiband before they started the rally.
When the rally reached near ABC godown, a large number of police force tried to stop them at near ABC godown.
The Police told them that only some few representatives will be allowed to come along with a Police team to submit the memorandum to the CM and also as CRPC is being imposed in the District, organizing mass rally is restricted.
However, as the rallying VDF personnel disagrees the instruction given by Police and started pelting stones towards the Police.
Police in order to control the situation fired blank rounds in the air and also used tear gas shells and rubber bullets.
All Manipur VDF Welfare Association general secretary Laltigen Vaiphei, 28, of Churachandpur was hit by a rubber bullet on his head and including him around 10 VDF personnel were injured in the Police action.
Out of the injured, four personnel including Vaiphei are said to be in a serious condition at RIMS.
A spokesperson of the VDF association speaking to IFP said their demands include payment of Rs 10,000 as monthly honorarium for their service, 13 month pay system for their service as provided to Police, IRB and MR personnel, saying that they also have round the clock duty.
He further said they have been placing these demands before the government since February 2014. They have submitted memorandums with these demands to Speaker Th Lokeshwar Singh and other concerned authorities of the government.
However, as the government has been neglecting their demands, the VDFs have been protesting by not doing their duties and not touching their weapons since March 20, he said.
But still the government did not respond to their calls so they decided to try again by submitting a memorandum today.
He said police have not only spoiled their today`™s attempt but have also injured around 10 VDF personnel and arrested other 10 personnel.
He said the VDF personnel who are now stationed at various posts will return home from tomorrow onwards and starting from March 30, intense forms of agitation will be launched including general strikes.