Imphal, May 17 -- The Manipur government, currently under President's rule, has announced the re-engagement of the 10,050-strong Village Defence Force (VDF) for another year, effective from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.

The decision comes amidst an ongoing "Pen Down, Gun Down" strike by the VDF and mounting pressure from local organizations.

According to the Manipur police morning bulletin, the state government has extended the service period of the existing sanctioned strength of 10,050 VDF personnel.

The VDF is a crucial community-based security force that assists the state police in maintaining law and order, particularly in vulnerable red zones and rural areas of Manipur.

The re-engagement follows an indefinite strike launched...