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Manipur Rifles refuse to fight insurgents without salary arrears

A mutiny has broken out among a specialist counter-insurgency police unit in the rebellion-torn northeastern state of Manipur, officials said on Monday.

A police spokesman said at least 1,000 personnel of the Manipur Rifles refused to take up their duties for the second successive day on Monday in protest against non-payment of salary arrears.

"The strike called by the Manipur Rifles has been affecting anti-insurgency operations in the state," Manipur police chief S Grewal said.

The Manipur Rifles, the backbone of Manipur's law-and-order machinery, has been demanding outstanding arrears since 1996. "We shall not join duties until the state government releases the amount due to us in the form of special compensatory allowances and house rent," said a leader of the striking policemen, who declined to be identified.

He said the government owed an average of Rs 30,000 to each member of the force. The state government on Monday held a high-level meeting to discuss the matter and pledged that back payments would be released.

"Hopefully the matter will be resolved and the striking personnel will resume duties soon," said Manipur Chief Secretary Rakesh. The striking policemen have threatened to intensify their agitation if their demands are not met.

There are some 30 rebel groups operating in Manipur, which borders Burma.

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