JAN 13, 2026 (KANG/IMP): Expressing solidarity and support in the ongoing statewide VDF pen-down and gun-down strike in Manipur, the Village Defence Force (VDF) personnel of Kangpokpi district staged a massive protest at the complex of Sapermeina Police Station on Wednesday.
President of the Kangpokpi District VDF Welfare Association, Lamminlun Kipgen, informed the media that the protest was organised to press the State Government to address the long-standing demands of VDF personnel, which have remained unresolved for years.
During the protest, a large number of VDF personnel from different parts of the district held placards that read, “Our Demands are Legitimate,” “Security without Security Force (VDFs) is Injustice,” “Recognise VDF, Regularise VDF,” “Government Apathy Forcing VDF to Strike,” and “No Right, No Duty.”
Lamminlun Kipgen emphasised that the demands raised by the VDF are legitimate and are rooted in the principles enshrined in Article 39(d) of the Indian Constitution, which advocates equal pay for equal work for both men and women. He questioned why the State Government continues to ignore constitutional provisions related to service matters.
He stated that due to the continued neglect and failure of the government to take any concrete steps, VDF personnel across the state have been compelled to launch an indefinite “gun-down and pen-down” strike. As part of this agitation, today’s protest was held to urge the authorities to fulfil their genuine demands.
Stating that peace and stability cannot be ensured by ignoring the grievances of those working at the grassroots level of security, he said that unresolved issues and injustice could lead to unrest. “We do not want to disturb peace. It is the responsibility of the State Government to maintain peace by addressing our demands,” he added.
The protest concluded peacefully, with VDF personnel reiterating their resolve to continue their agitation until their demands are met.
