Ibobi warns pay strikers

Imphal, April 23: Manipur chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh today warned striking employees that he would not remain a silent spectator if they did not return to their duties and appealed to legislators and ministers not to intervene if action is taken.“Employees only demand their rights but do not bother about their duties. The government will not remain a mute spectator. Action will be taken if they fail to go back to their duties,” he said while addressing the Khongjom Day state function organised at Khongjom in Thoubal district to pay tribute to Manipuri war heroes.Ibobi Singh’s whip came a day after his cabinet reaffirmed the government’s decision not to pay arrears as demanded by the employees. State government employees have been on a ceasework since January 16, seeking implementation of the Sixth Pay Commission’s recommendations from January 2006. The Ibobi Singh government announced that it would implement the new salary structure from April this year, maintaining that it did not have the resources to pay the arrears.The chief minister today said he would not succumb to the pressures of the employees. The people could not be held to ransom for serving the interests of a few thousands employees.“Employees turn up at their offices at noon and go back at 2pm. Schoolteachers do not attend classes regularly. This happens in my district of Thoubal. Whenever authorities try to take action against an erring employee, either a minister or an MLA intervenes. We will not tolerate this,” Ibobi Singh said.He appealed to ministers and legislators to extend co-operation to the government in streamlining the administration. “Ministers and MLAs tend to forget that we are the servants and the public the masters. If the public disfavours, no elected member can remain an MLA even for a day. We should serve the people and not act as masters,” he said.Paying glowing tributes to Manipuri heroes who fought the British, Ibobi Singh said Manipur, as a part of India, had attained freedom and there was no need for another freedom struggle. He was referring to the “freedom” struggle by several militant groups though he did not mention any names.Earlier, Governor Gurbachan Jagat led the people in paying floral tributes at the Khongjom War memorial stone located atop Kheba Hillock at Khongjom in Thoubal district.It is on this day in 1891 that Manipuris fought the British at Khongjom and Manipur lost its freedom. Manipur government observes this day as Khongjom Day every year to honour the Manipuri heroes.Addressing the gathering, the governor reminded the people that the British could establish their empire in India because of the disunity among the kings and princes. He appealed to the people of the state to shun differences and strengthen the bond of unity, peace and harmony to usher in all-round development.

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