IMPHAL, May 15: More than 10,000 Village Defence Force (VDF) personnel in Manipur have initiated an indefinite ‘Gun Down, Pen Down’ protest starting Thursday, demanding the extension of their service period and an increase in their honorarium. The agitation is being led by the Central Committee of All Manipur VDF Employees’ Welfare Association.
The strike, which began at 6 AM, involves 10,050 VDF members whose services—usually renewed annually by the State Home Department—expired on March 31, 2025. Despite their continued deployment in crucial security roles amid Manipur’s ongoing ethnic and communal unrest, the state government has not yet taken steps to renew their appointments.
The VDF, operating under the Manipur Police (Home) Department, has played a vital role in guarding sensitive and vulnerable areas across the valley districts since violence first erupted in May 2023.
In a show of solidarity, the protest has drawn widespread support from local communities, particularly in the Bishnupur district. Women-led civil groups such as the Meira Paibis have taken part in sit-in demonstrations, including one held at Kha Potsangbam, backing the VDF’s cause.
Local civil society organizations and Meira Paibi groups have urged the government to immediately address the demands of the VDF personnel, highlighting their essential role in the state’s internal security mechanism.
