48-hour Manipur bandh begins today

IMPHAL, Oct 1 – A 48-hour Manipur bandh has been called from midnight of October 1 in protest against the “irresponsible and unstable” SPF-led Government of Manipur for “denying the genuine demands” of the joint action committee to resolve the “chronic cases” of 835 teachers of the six Autonomous District Councils appointed in 2006 by the State Government.

In a press release issued by the convener and co-convener of the JAC on Wednesday, appealed to the people for their co-operation in the fight for the rights of the victimised teachers who have been working for the cause of education in the State.

Meanwhile, an indefinite economic blockade had been imposed along the National Highway 39 and 53 from midnight of September 29 by the JAC against the State Government’s directive for holding DPC for fresh recruitment of primary teachers for six hill districts without settling the cases of the 835 primary teachers who were appointed in 2006 and who had been drawing regular salaries for the last 10-11 months since their induction.

It is worth noting that the Naga Peoples’ Organization (NPO) had stated in a press release on Tuesday that the JAC does not exist in Senapati district and as such the NPO will not support the economic blockade called by the JAC, and will ensure free flow of vehicles carrying goods on National Highway 39.

The NPO had further stated that the 835 teachers who were appointed in 2006 should sort out their problems with the appropriate authorities instead of imposing economic blockade.