The government of Manipur has declared that it will be enforcing a “No work- No pay” policy for government employees who are not attending the office.
The General Administration Department (GAD) has been tasked with providing information about employees who cannot attend their official duties because of the current circumstances in the state.
Image source: PTI
A recent circular released on Monday evening by GAD Secretary Michael Achom stated that following a meeting led by the Chief Minister on June 12 and the decision made in para 5-(12) of the proceeding, all employees receiving salaries from the General Administration Department of the Manipur Secretariat are notified that the “no work, no pay” policy may be implemented for those employees who fail to attend their official duties without authorized leave. Currently, the Manipur government has a workforce of approximately one lakh employees.
Additionally, the circular also requested all administrative secretaries to provide information regarding employees who are unable to fulfil their official duties due to the current situation in the state. The details requested include the employee’s designation, name, EIN (Employee Identification Number), and present address. The information is to be submitted to both the General Administration Department and the Personnel Department by June 28, so they can take appropriate action as necessary.
On May 3, violent clashes and unrest began in Manipur after at least 54 people died in the “Tribal Solidarity March” protesting against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe(ST) status.
53 per cent of Manipur’s population is comprised of Meiteis, who predominantly reside in the Imphal Valley. The remaining 40 per cent of the population consists of two tribal groups, namely the Nagas and Kukis, who primarily inhabit the hill districts of the state.
Internet ban in Manipur to be extended till June 30
According to an official release, the restriction on internet services will continue until 3 pm on June 30 to maintain peace and public order within the jurisdiction of the State of Manipur. The objective behind this decision is to prevent any potential disruptions that may occur.
The release also expressed concerns about the potential misuse of social media platforms by anti-social elements to spread inflammatory images, hate speech, and provocative videos which could escalate the law and order situation in Manipur. This extension of the internet services ban marks the third consecutive time it has been prolonged. The suspension of mobile internet services was initially enforced on May 3 due to rising incidents of ethnic violence, and it has remained in effect since then.
Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) rejected dialogue with Chief Minister N Biren Singh
Ginza Vualzong, the spokesperson for the prominent tribal organisation Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum expressed that the Chief Minister’s attempt to engage with stakeholders came too late, considering the significant loss of innocent lives, damage to properties, and the immense hardships faced by the Kuki-Zo tribals. Vualzong emphasized that discussing peace without a political resolution is futile.
According to Vualzong, the conflict has resulted in the death of approximately 106 tribals, the burning of 201 villages, and the destruction of over 5,000 houses and 355 churches. Around 41,425 tribals have been displaced due to the violence. Vualzong stated that the Kuki-Zo community has reached a point where coexistence with the Meiteis is no longer possible amidst such clashes.
Vualzong, during the media interaction, stated that Biren Singh, whom they accuse of being responsible for the ongoing ethnic violence and holding animosity towards the Kuki-Zo
community, cannot be considered someone capable of bringing about peace. Further also condemning the CM’s alleged hatred towards the Kuki-Zo community as a cause for the genocide-like situation experienced by the community.
