Tamil Nadu: Hunger strike by cops receive mixed response

A protest call by the Tamil Nadu police force on social media, demanding for amendments in salaries and facilities has evoked mixed response in paces other than Chennai. In fact, the hunger strike in Chennai was not too evident as the canteen at the city commissioner's office functioned normally. 

Contrary to what was evident, members of the Constabulary Association claimed that more than 60% of the police personnel attached to various Tamil Nadu Special Police batallions and armed reserve units allegedly skipped their breakfast and lunch.

One of the members said, "There were no takers for food in many armed reserve (AR) and TSP canteens in other parts of the state, especially in the central and south zones." In fact, WhatsApp messages had been circulated showing policemen offering their food to labourers, the poor and the animals.

A senior police officer, however, speaking to the Times of India, rebuttled information regarding the strike and said that it was just virtual and was not in reality. Meanwhile, the protesting officials are said to have stepped on gas demanding for rectification of pay anomalies in the 7th pay commission, weekly off, compensation for extra work hours, uniform food allowance throughout the state and ban on orderly system.

Earlier too, policemen below the rank of sub-inspectors had sent anonymous circulars and petitions demanding to set up police union in the state. However, they did not succeed in driving the point home. 

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• south
• cops
• strike
• police