1. Manipur’s Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts saw a notable drop in government office attendance on Monday.
2. This decline followed a directive from the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), despite warnings of repercussions from the state home department.
3. The ITLF called for the protest due to the suspension of a policeman, reportedly captured in a video with armed individuals.
Imphal, Feb 19: Government offices in Manipur’s Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts experienced a significant decrease in attendance on Monday following a call from the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF), despite warnings from the state home department about the “no work, no pay” policy for unauthorized absences.
The ITLF urged government staff in Churachandpur to abstain from work starting Monday to protest the suspension of a policeman allegedly seen with armed individuals in a video clip.
Consequently, offices in both Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts, including those of public works, agriculture, fishery, and forestry, remained closed, leading to a deserted atmosphere.
These districts are primarily inhabited by the Kuki community, and reports indicated minimal staff presence in offices, with many employees returning home due to the lack of colleagues.
However, markets, schools, and private sector establishments continued their operations unaffected by the situation.
The ITLF’s demand for the reinstatement of head constable Siamlalpaul and the replacement of Superintendent of Police Shivanand Surve and Deputy Commissioner Dharun Kumar prompted the call for abstention from work.
Also Read: Efforts Underway to Rescue Abducted Miners from Arunachal Pradesh in Assam
Head constable Siamlalpaul was suspended after a video surfaced showing him with armed individuals and village volunteers.
In response to the ITLF’s call, the home department issued an order enforcing the “no work, no pay” policy against employees failing to attend official duties without authorized leave.
This move underscores the government’s stance on maintaining discipline and ensuring productivity within its workforce.
The situation in Manipur has been tense since May of the previous year, following ethnic violence triggered by protests against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
The clashes have claimed over 180 lives, highlighting the deep-rooted ethnic tensions between the Meiteis, who predominantly inhabit the Imphal Valley, and the Nagas and Kukis, who primarily reside in the hill districts.
