The All Manipur VDF (Village Defence Force) Employees’ Welfare Association has declared that it will resume an indefinite Gun Down and Pen Down strike from August 1, 2025, if the State Government fails to fulfil their long-pending demands by July 31.

Addressing a press conference at the Manipur Press Club, Sh. Sanjit Singh, President of the Association’s Central Committee, stated that the decision was prompted by the government’s continued inaction despite previous commitments. He recalled that the Association had called off an earlier strike on May 17, 2025, after receiving a written assurance from the government to address their demands within two months. However, he added that no official steps or notifications have been issued since then.

The Association reiterated its core demands, including the formal implementation of Section 18 of the Police Act, 1861, which allows for the temporary appointment of additional police personnel. VDF personnel, originally appointed under this provision, are seeking formal recognition within the law enforcement system. It is also demanding the regularisation of VDF personnel who have been serving under strenuous and high-risk conditions for several years, arguing that regularisation would ensure job security, service benefits, and parity with other uniformed forces. Additionally, the Association is calling for a revision of the current pay structure, stating that the existing honorarium is grossly inadequate considering the workload and responsibilities VDF personnel undertake in maintaining law and order across the state.

The Central Committee urged the State Government to act swiftly and responsibly to resolve the longstanding grievances and prevent any disruption to essential law enforcement duties.