In response to the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) in Churachandpur urging government employees to abstain from work, the Manipur government has categorically denounced the call as illegal. A notification issued by the Home Department asserts that the ITLF’s directive, which includes the closure of government offices and a warning to employees not to attend work, lacks legal authority.
The notification, dated February 17, 2024, states, “The State Government views the matter very seriously with utmost sensitivity as the same act is illegal, and the notice so issued is without any authority.”
Moreover, the government notification warns that any attempt to hinder government employees from attending their duties will result in strict actions. The directive explicitly states, “No one shall or attempt to make any deliberate effort to follow or enforce the above notice at any cost. In case of any violation of the above orders, the person(s) concerned without any exception shall be booked and prosecuted under relevant provisions of law of land for the time being in force.”
The government notification also emphasizes the enforcement of the ‘No work, No pay’ policy against employees failing to attend their official duties without authorized leave. All Central and State Government Authorities, as well as Management Authorities of institutions/establishments/Autonomous bodies, are instructed to ensure strict attendance of staff and students as usual.
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum had called for the work boycott to protest the suspension of head constable Siamlalpaul, who was allegedly seen with armed men in a video. The ITLF demands the revocation of the suspension of Siamlalpaul and the immediate replacement of Superintendent of Police Shivanand Surve and Deputy Commissioner Dharun Kumar. The call for the work boycott has intensified tensions, leading to a violent incident in Churachandpur where two people were killed and 30 injured in clashes with security forces on February 15.
