JACTTO-GEO protest: Educationists condemn arrest of govt staff, teachers

“The arrest of teachers and government officials on the night of Republic Day shows the amount of trust that the government has on democratic processes,” said R Murali, co-ordinator of the movement.

Condemning the police action, he said, “Police treated government staff and teachers like they were third-grade citizens by arresting them during midnight.” He demanded the State government to take steps to end the strike by holding talks with the protesters.

The JACTTO-GEO members have been on an indefinite strike since February 22, pressing for a host of demands, including bringing back the old pension system. Despite the State government issuing a warning, the protesters have not relented.

A section of protesting teachers and government officials were arrested on the night of January 26 at Tamukkam in Madurai, while a few others were picked up from their houses.

The arrests triggered strong reaction across TN as several political leaders, activists and educationists condemned the State government for the high-handedness shown by the police.

Meanwhile, the School Education Department warned the protesting teachers to return back to work by Monday. In a release, V C Rameswara Murugan, Director, School Education Department, said, “No departmental action will be taken against teachers who return to work by Monday. However, those who fail to return to work by Monday evening, their posts will be considered vacant and temporary teachers would be recruited in their place.” Eligible temporary teachers will be paid Rs 10,000 per month, he said.

However, JACTTO-GEO members including teachers have decided to continue their protest despite the warnings. They have demanded the State government to call them for talks rather than issuing warnings and arresting select JACTTO-GEO members.