Jowai, Dec 17: The State government was forced to release Rs 8,00,22,467 to the Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHAC) to pay a month salary to its employees after opposition Voice of People’s Party (VPP) MDCs led a protest by locking the gate of the office in Jowai today.
VPP district president and MDC, Jamshaphrang Pohtam, along with eight MDCs and party office-bearers, had staged the agitation demanding salaries that had been pending for nine months.
Pohtam stated that the party had previously submitted a written demand to the Chief Executive Member (CEM), setting a deadline of November 16 for action.
During the protest, Pohtam said officials and police asked them to withdraw, claiming funds had been released, but could not provide proof.
Later in the evening, JHADC officials, including Deputy CEM Laski Rymbai, confirmed the government had transferred the amount to the council’s treasury.
The release is seen as temporary relief, helping employees meet expenses during Christmas and the New Year, with many staff showing solidarity through sit-ins outside the JHADC.
Pohtam announced that the party has suspended the agitation but would intensify their protest if the district council does not pay the salary as per the new payment system, it had promised.
