Imphal, May 22: The 33 days old cease work strike being launched by the Joint Administrative Council of AMTUC and AMGEO has become more inclusive with employees of several essential sectors joining the strike.

A statement issued by the JAC informed that OPD services of Medical Department have been suspended with effect from today besides sit-in-protest by the employees of DIPR, Settlement, Sericulture etc.

Peeved with the indifferent attitude of the State Govt to the demands of the JAC coupled with its policy of intimidation by arresting some JAC leaders, the cease work strike would be intensified all the more, declared the statement.

Disclosing that as of now, schools and teaching services have not been included within the purview of the strike, the JAC appealed to all concerned to bear with inconveniences caused by the strike while specifically noting that it would be in the interest of the whole State on the part of student organisations to exert pressure on the State Government to resolve the issue at the earliest.

While categorically castigating the State, it disclosed that according to an official estimate it is expected to achieve revenue surplus of Rs 797.77 crores at the end of the current fiscal year 2006-07.It also mentioned that the State was able to earn surplus revenue of Rs 481.77 even though it suffered revenue deficit of Rs 43.75 crores in 2003-04.Against such considerable improvement of State finances, the State Government's argument that sick financial condition of the State has not made it possible to fulfil the demands of the JAC does not hold any valid ground.

There is no genuine difficulty to grant 15 per cent DA/DR and other demands of its employees if the Government is sincere enough to redress the woes of the employees, asserted the JAC.

While maintaining that employees and pensioners should fight for their rights, the JAC disclosed that it would not retract until its demands are addressed.

Meanwhile the All Manipur Public Works Department Employees and Workers Association, as per its meeting resolution of May 20, has decided to join the cease work strike of the JAC with effect from May 22.A statement issued by the association appealed to the Govt to release the apprehended leaders of the JAC now being lodged at Sajiwa Jail and to resolve the issue immediately.

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