Manipur Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) Minister Govindas Konthoujam on Monday asserted that it is vital for public, police and press to dispense their lawfully inscribed duties to foster peace and prosperity in Manipur. He lauded VDF personnel for their crucial role and contribution in maintaining law and order in the state.
Govindas was speaking at the 14th State Level VDF Raising Day celebration at Gandhi Memorial hall, Imphal. The celebration was jointly organised by Imphal West District VDF Welfare Association and 16 District VDF Welfare Association, Manipur under the aegis of All Manipur VDF Welfare Association Central Committee Manipur.
He pointed out that VDF personnel are the backbone of law and order as well as traffic management in the state. It would prove a mammoth task for state police alone to control security measures in Manipur, he added.
“VDF personnel played a crucial role in manning security regulations during the recent G20 summit,” he said.
Govindas further highlighted the role of VDF forces in the government’s ‘War against Drug’ campaign and stated that personnel of the force had contributed in making huge drug hauls while also aiding in destruction of poppy plantations.
He lauded the VDF personnel for their relentless sacrifice and dedication in dispensing their duties.
He also stated that the state government is determined to resolve the various plights faced by the personnel and assured that all issues would be resolved swiftly.
“The recent office memorandum issued by the government ensures numerous benefits for VDF personnel such as increment in honorarium amount, relaxation in recruitment among others and still the government is working to provide other additional benefits,” he said.
Govindas recalled that the state government initiated VDF, then known as Special police Officers (SPO), in 2009 as a local uniformed force at Heirok to rein in insurgency issues in the region.
“Rs 3,500 honorarium plus Rs 750 ration money was paid to personnel in early days but now the amount is over Rs 10,000 with ration money and the state government has assured annual increment of Rs 500 to their honorarium,” he added.
The minister urged personnel to maintain proper morality, character and discipline while on duty and further reiterated that the state government will always strive for betterment of VDF personnel in Manipur.
Manipur Director General of Police P Doungel stated VDF personnel fill in the shortcomings of state police forces and are crucial in maintaining order. He further mentioned that the authorities are working to upgrade the arms carried by VDF personnel.
“Proper training will be provided for the upgrade, the move will also boost the confidence of the personnel,” he said. He exhorted the personnel to conduct their duties diligently and with loyalty.
