Newmai News Network
Imphal | February 29
Agitating teachers of government schools in Manipur demanding rectification of ROP (Revision of Pay) 2019 began their relay-hunger strike on Saturday.
The teachers have been resorting to cease work strike since the first week of February under the aegis of Council of Teachers' Association (COTA).
COTA is the umbrella body of All Manipur Elementary School Teachers' Association, All Manipur Secondary School Teachers' Association, and All Manipur Government Higher Secondary Lecturers Welfare Association.
The teachers have been pressing the state government to adopt pay structures recommended by the 7th Pay Commission to the teachers serving in government and higher secondary schools. Since the commencement of the seized cease work strike, the teachers also staged sit-in protest at the zonal education offices (ZEO) at various districts.
Alleging that the state government has failed to address their demands despite the nearly-a-month cease work strike, the teachers began their relay-hunger strike from today.
Teachers from various schools and higher secondary schools staged the protest inside the premises of ZEO Imphal West zone -1 in Imphal’s Khoyathong.
Taking part in the protest, COTA co-convenor, Dr Longjam Ritendro alleged that the state government has failed to address their demands despite repeated pleas. He also said that the relay-hunger strike will continue till March 7 and if no possible response comes forth from the government side, they will be compelled to resort to more intensified forms of agitation. Dr Ritendro hinted the teachers “launching fast unto death strike if government still remains adamant to their demands.”
