IMPHAL, Feb 4 (NNN): A large number of Village Defence Force (VDF) personnel in Thoubal district in Manipur have on Monday gave up their arms launching a cease work strike on the demand of pay increment and threatened to impose an indefinite general strike beginning February 7 over the issue.
The cease work strike would be launched in the remaining districts of the state soon, a spokesperson of the agitating VDF personnel told the media. The cease work strike has been initiated by the All Manipur Village Defence Force Welfare Association (AMVDFWA).
He said if the state Government fails to give a positive response to their demands by February 6, they would impose an indefinite Manipur general strike from the next day, February 7.
AMVDFWA had earlier urged the Government to address the issue, but that it has said the Government has failed to fulfill its demands.
VDF personnel in the state have been demanding a hike in salary and they have also alleged that the state Government has underestimated them and also ill-treated them.
They now get a meager salary of Rs 3000 per month.