THOUBAL: Personnel of the Heirok Special Police Officers (SPO), now known as Village Defence Force (VDF), extended financial assistance of Rs 1,39,000 to the bereaved family of Ningthoujam Ranakumar, who passed away on October 31 following a prolonged illness.

Ranakumar was a resident of Satikhongnang Lane in Heirok Part-II of Thoubal district. The financial assistance was handed over to his family at his residence by representatives of the six companies of Heirok SPO (VDF).

Speaking on the occasion, Khumanthem Gunadhor, E Company Commander of SPO (VDF), said that the personnel had repeatedly appealed to the government over the years to provide support to the families of SPOs and VDF personnel who die while in service. However, he regretted that no attention had been paid to their demands so far.

Gunadhor said that since earlier years, whenever an SPO or VDF personnel from Heirok passed away, fellow personnel contributed Rs 500 each to support the bereaved family. This practice has continued to date.

He said that although such financial assistance could not make up for the loss of a family member, it was a gesture of solidarity among colleagues. He also urged the government to extend proper care and support to VDF personnel and their families.

He further expressed disappointment that despite the change in designation from SPO to VDF, the government had not introduced any meaningful benefits for the families of personnel who die or sustain injuries. He said the lack of such support reflected the government’s failure to give due importance to VDF personnel.

Ranakumar was a dedicated member of SPO B Company at Heitupokpi in Heirok Part-I.

It was also stated that out of around 300 SPO personnel recruited following the tragic Heirok Thabal Chongpham incident in 2008, a total of 22 personnel from Heirok had passed away so far.

Thokchom Dhruba, younger brother of Heirok constituency MLA Dr Thokchom Radheshyam, was also present during the financial assistance distribution programme.