The Manipur government has issued a warning to its employees, stating that they must attend offices and perform their official duties. Failure to do so will result in the person being booked and prosecuted under relevant laws. The directive comes after the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) announced that state government offices in the Churachandpur district would remain closed until further notice.
Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi ordered all government employees to attend offices, emphasizing that those who violate the orders will be booked and prosecuted under the law. The “no work, no pay” policy will be enforced against employees who do not attend their official duties without authorized leave. Central and state government authorities, as well as management authorities of institutions, are also advised to ensure strict attendance of staff and students.
The ITLF’s “public notice” announced that state government employees from Churachandpur district should not report to the office until further notice, with the exception of financial, medical, and educational institutions. The forum warned that employees seen at the office would be held accountable should something unfortunate happen to them. The notice also stated that there will be no burial of the two martyrs from the Wall of Remembrance Massacre until an amicable agreement is reached.
The suspension of seven Manipur Rifles personnel on February 16 for negligence in duty following the looting of arms and ammunition has led to further tensions. Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh ordered a magisterial inquiry to investigate the mob attack on the offices of the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police in Churachandpur district.
The situation escalated when security forces fired at a mob that stormed the government compound, resulting in two fatalities and over 40 injuries. The Chief Minister stated that a Churachandpur legislator will be charged with inciting violence in the district, although the MLA was not mentioned by name.
The government’s strict directive and the ongoing tensions in Churachandpur district are causing concern and raise questions about the overall security situation in the region.
Overall, the government is taking a firm stance to ensure the functioning of state government offices, while tensions in Churachandpur district continue to escalate. The fallout from the mob attack on government offices and the subsequent suspension of personnel has led to a volatile and potentially dangerous situation in the area. The government’s warning to employees and the ITLF’s response reflect the deepening conflict, and the situation requires careful monitoring.
