 early times report
Jammu, Nov 1: Criticising Jammu and Kashmir government for using "undemocratic methods" and force against striking workers at Chenani-Nashri tunnel project, the labour wing of CPM today demanded immediate resolution of the issues.
"JK government is using undemocratic methods and force against striking labourers at Chenani-Nashri tunnel project. Police used tear gas shells and cane-charged striking workers resulting in injuries today," Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) president and CPI(M) State Secretary, M Y Tarigami told reporters here.
Tunnel project workers' union had gone on strike on October 27 demanding reinstatement of ten employees, wages in lieu of overtime, weekly off, risk allowance, Tarigami said, adding that Leighton Company, which runs the tunnel works, did not concede to their demands.
The Divisional Commissioner of Jammu had intervened and fixed a meeting between the management and the union at 3 pm today but authorities cancelled the meeting and police resorted to force in the morning, he said.
Police also picked up striking workers after using brute force against them, Tarigami said.
Divisional Commissioner of Jammu, Shant Manu said that police had to resort to cane-charge on protesting workers after they resorted to stone pelting on police. He said some of the policemen were also injured.
On one side, government is claiming that these projects will provide jobs to hundreds of unemployed youth in the region, while, on the other hand, workers are not only being thrown out of jobs, but also punished with force, he said.
CITU has now decided to go for a chain of strikes, including dharnas at Divisional Commissioner's Office, blockade of highway to press for their demands.
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