The Manipur government has declared its intention to take action against employees who did not attend work on 19 February. This comes in response to the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) publicly announcing the closure of all state government offices in Churachandpur district on the said date and instructing government employees from the district not to report to their offices.
The ITLF, in a notice issued on Saturday, 17 February, held individuals responsible for their own safety if they chose to attend office, and announced the closure of all state government offices in the district until further notice.
The group’s primary demands include the cancellation of the suspension of Head Constable Siamlalpaul, with blame placed on SP Shivanand Surve and Deputy Commissioner S Dharun Kumar, whom the ITLF accuses of instigating violence following the constable’s suspension. This unrest resulted in the unfortunate deaths of two individuals.
The suspension of the orders of the head constable stemmed from a viral video depicting him in the company of armed miscreants, leading to heightened tensions and subsequent violence in Churachandpur.
In response to the ITLF’s notice, the Manipur Home Department issued a stern warning on Sunday, February 18, explicitly stating that no one should attempt to enforce the ITLF’s directive. The government also stated that the no-work-no-pay policy would be implemented if any government employee refrains from their duties without authorised leave.
Additionally, district magistrates and superintendents of police across all districts were instructed to take necessary actions to enforce these orders.
