ITANAGAR, 5 Jun: The Arunachal Pradesh Teacher Educators’ Association (APTEA) concluded the second phase of its pen-down strike, held on 4 and 5 June, across all DIETs and the SCERT, and said that it would launch an indefinite pen-down strike from 15 June if its demand is not met.

The association has launched the phase-wise protest demanding timely release of salaries of SCERT and DIET employees through the state head. “Despite repeated representations, appeals, and peaceful democratic protests, no positive response has been received from the government regarding the long-pending issue of salary disbursement,” it stated in a release.

The APTEA expressed deep disappointment over the “casual clarification” issued through media channels by the education minister and the education commissioner, who allegedly stated that DIET staffers are receiving regular salaries.

“The APTEA categorically states that this does not reflect the actual situation on the ground,” the release said.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the explanation, the APTEA reiterated its demand for timely and regular release of salaries to all staff members of the DIETs across Arunachal Pradesh through the state head.

“In view of the government’s failure to address the genuine grievances of the employees, the association has resolved to intensify its agitation. Accordingly, APTEA shall launch the third phase of indefinite pen-down strike with effect from 15 June, until its demand is met,” it said.

During the period of the indefinite strike, members of the association will abstain from all official duties, academic activities, training programmes, administrative work, and other institutional responsibilities.

“However, the association remains open to constructive dialogue and urges the government to take immediate steps to resolve the issue in the larger interest of the institutions, employees, and the education sector of the state,” it said.