Imphal, Feb 19: Government offices across the tribal region in Churachandpur district have remained closed on the first working day of the week, with employees adhering to a diktat issued by a tribal organization calling for a shutdown, despite warnings of stern action by the state government.
Several govt offices were found closed across Churachandpur district today even though the Manipur government issued an order asking its employees to attend offices and perform their official duties with a warning that those violating the order would be booked and prosecuted under relevant the law.
The government order directing employees to attend office came after the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) — issued a ‘public notice’ announcing that all state government offices located in the Churachandpur district will remain closed from today until further notice.
Manipur government Chief Secretary Vineet Joshi on Sunday issued the order directing all government employees to attend to work with a warning of prosecution against anyone who violates it.
“No work, no pay’ norms shall also be enforced by all the state government offices/institutions against those employees who do not attend their official duty without authorised leave, the order stated.
All Central and state government authorities and management authorities of institutions/ establishment/autonomous bodies have also been advised to ensure strict attendance of staff and students as usual, according to the order.
The Chief Secretary said that all District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police of all districts shall take up necessary action to enforce the orders.
The ITLF issued a ‘public notice’ stating that 24 hours had passed since ITLF gave an ultimatum to cancel the suspension order of the head constable Siamlalpaul and the replacement of Churachandpur district Superintendent of Police Shivanand Surve and the Deputy Commissioner S. Dharun Kumar.
The police constable has been placed under suspension after videos surfaced allegedly showing him to be in the company of armed unidentified men while reportedly on duty.
The ITLF had directed that all state government employees from Churachandpur district should abstain from going to office and warned that If anyone is seen at the office, they would be held accountable if something unfortunate were to happen to them.
The Forum has exempted all Financial, medical, and educational institutions from the perview of thecosure.
Meanwhile, the ITLF has refused to allow the funeral of two men killed in police firing when a mob tried to attack the government offices, particularly the SP and DC offices in Churachandpur, lasy week.
“There will be no burial of the two martyrs from the Wall of Remembrance Massacre until an amicable agreement is arrived,” ITLF said in its ‘public notice’.
