In a welfare initiative aimed at supporting field personnel during the ongoing Durand Cup 2025, the Imphal West District VDF Employees’ Welfare Association distributed raincoats to Village Defence Force (VDF) personnel currently deployed on duty in the district.
The distribution was carried out under the supervision of Imphal West Superintendent of Police, Ksh. Shivakanta Singh, IPS. As part of its commitment to welfare, the Association provided the raincoats to ensure uninterrupted service by VDF personnel despite adverse weather conditions while managing law and order and crowd control during the high-profile football tournament.
Speaking on the occasion, the Association stated that the initiative was taken up to address the immediate operational needs of the personnel and would be part of a continued effort to support the VDF in their line of duty. It also expressed concern over the lack of basic provisions and highlighted the need for improved working conditions for VDF personnel, many of whom serve in challenging environments.
The Association further called for the effective implementation of the Recruitment Rules for VDF personnel, issued by the Government of Manipur, Home Department in 2008, and reinforced by the IGP (Administration) in 2012. These guidelines, which were communicated to all District SPs, officially recognize the role of VDF members and recommend that they be granted powers, privileges, protection, and responsibilities similar to regular police personnel.
Reiterating their appeal to the state government, the Association urged the authorities to formally treat VDF personnel as part of the uniformed services and to provide them the same security and welfare benefits as other frontline security forces.