IMPHAL, March 2: Urging the state government to fulfill a charter of demands which include salary hike the All Manipur VDF (Village Defence Force) Welfare Association in uniform gathered at Sagolband Tera Keithel and tried to take out a rally towards Assembly house.
Thousand of VDF from various district assembled to carry out the rally, holding placards but a team of Imphal West Police intervened the VDF from marching ahead to the Assembly House.
Speaking to media persons Deban, president VDF Welfare Association said that they have submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister two months back but the government continues to remain a silent spectator over the matter.
He further stressed that their families are unable to run with the meager salary of just Rs 4000 a month and have been going through a very hard life.
If the government is at least concern for the life of the VFD, the government can hike the salary in which one can maintain a family.
Deban futher said that VDF does not want to launch any agitation against the government but as the government remain silent over the matter they are disheartened and remain helpless and decided to march towards the Assembly House to remind the grievances of the VDF.
The demands made by the VDF were; to increase the honorarium (nominal payment) of VDF, the VDF personnel should get 13 months pay and if not no duty should be assigned on Sunday and general holiday in a year, to establish a separate battalion for VDF personnel headed by a superintendent of police and to have separate color uniform.
Deban also said that if the government fails to fulfill the demand then the VDF Welfare Association will launch a stronger agitation.