Government Offices in Lamka Deserted as ITLF Firmly Stands by Demands

Offices of the Manipur government in Churachandpur and neighbouring Pherzawl districts recorded no attendance on Monday, despite the state home department’s warning that “no work, no pay” rule would be applied if employees go on unauthorised leaves.

The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) has urged the government staff in the district to refrain from attending work from Monday over the suspension of a policeman, who was allegedly seen with armed men in a video grab.

Offices wore a deserted look. Hardly any government employees were seen. Offices of the public works department, agriculture, fishery, transport, Post Office and forest department in both Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts remained closed.

These two districts are inhabited mostly by Kuki community people. Several of the employees who went to office returned after finding no other staff.

Markets, schools and private sector establishments, however, remained open and they were not affected.

Addressing media persons, “The agitation will continue unless the demands are met,” said Ginza Vualzong, Spokesperson of the ITLF.

He added: “The state government should listen to the demand placed by the ITLF to replaced the DC and SP. The sooner they replace the two persons who are responsible for the killing of two Kuki-Zo civilians, the agitation and closure of government offices will stop.”

So, threatening a government employees with ‘No Work No Pay’ will not help because this will only further alienate and agitated us. This is not the solution, the solution for the government is to listen to the demands made by the ITLF, he added.

On February 17, the ITLF, after their 24-hours ultimatum failed to yield any positive action from the state government, announced for closure of Manipur government offices within the district. It also instructed employees to refrain from reporting to work, with potential consequences for those who do.

In response, the Governor of Manipur on February 18 issued orders prohibiting any attempts to enforce the illegal closure notice. Strict measures, including the implementation of a ‘No work, No pay’ policy, have been mandated for employees failing to report to duty without authorized leave.