June Uprising victims kin to get government jobs

IMPHAL: The Manipur government has decided to provide government jobs to the next of the kin of protesters, who laid down their lives during the 2001 June Uprising. At least 18 people laid down their lives during the peopleas uprising. Out of the total victims, 14 were killed in police firing.

The Centreas decision, known as the Bangkok Declaration, was later revoked following unrelenting protests by people. The chief ministeras bungalow, assembly secretariat, political partiesa offices and official residences of ministers and legislators were burnt down by people during the over one-month-long protest.

Chaired by chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh, the cabinet met at his office chamber on Tuesday night and decided to provide employment in the state government department to the next of the kin of 15 people killed in the uprising. The decision followed a memorandum submitted to the state government by the bereaved families, officials said. They added that there would be relaxation of age for those applying for government jobs.

Every year, the United Committee Manipur (UCM) observes the day as asThe Great June Uprising Daya? at Kekrupat here. The All Manipur United Clubsa Organization (AMUCO) observes it as asThe Unity Daya? at Thau ground, Thangmeiband, close to Kekrupat.

Recently, the CM informed the assembly that he had given assurance to provide suitable jobs to the bereaved families after lifting the ban on recruitment of government jobs subject to the fulfillment of the existing guidelines. While deciding to release seven per cent DA of government employees from next month, the cabinet also resolved to upgrade 49 junior high schools to high schools under the Rastriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA).

For this, 294 language teachers will be inducted on contract basis, a source said. He added that the MOBC (SC) would be set up as a separate entity under an additional director after divesting it from TD. It also approved the prologue of 11th session of the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly.