Imphal, May 15 -- Over 1,000 Village Defence Force (VDF) personnel in Manipur have launched an indefinite 'Gun Down, Pen Down' strike starting Thursday, demanding an 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 began at 6 AM and involves over 10,050 VDF personnel whose services, usually renewed annually by the State Home Department, expired on March 31, 2025. Despite their key role in maintaining law and order amid the state's ongoing unrest, the government has not yet extended their service.

VDF members, who operate under the Manipur Police (Home) Department, have been instrumental in guarding vul...