Concerns Rise Over Tea Leaf Theft at Dhelakhat Tea Estate
Protests Erupt Over Alleged Theft
File image of Dhelakhat Tea Estate factory (Photo: Anuj B/ Google Maps)
Doomdooma, April 25: The Panitola branch of the Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangha (ACMS) has raised alarms regarding significant theft of green tea leaves at the Dhelakhat Tea Estate located in Tinsukia district, urging immediate action from authorities to address the issue.
On Friday, workers from the Dhelakhat Tea Estate, supported by the local ACMS unit, organized a three-hour demonstration outside Barekuri Police Station, demanding swift measures against those involved in the theft of green tea leaves.
In a statement, Raju Sahu, the secretary of ACMS Panitola branch and a former MLA, reported that during the current plucking season, there have been numerous instances of unauthorized leaf picking, theft, and even the destruction of tea bushes across various sections of the estate.
He noted that some workers have been pressured or persuaded to partake in these illegal activities, resulting in considerable losses for the tea sector.
The union further claimed that certain vested interests are actively promoting these unlawful actions, which disrupt the regular operations of tea estates.
They warned that if these practices persist, they could severely affect both the management and the livelihoods of honest workers.
The ACMS highlighted that such incidents have been on the rise lately, causing unrest and uncertainty in tea garden regions, and expressed worry over the inadequate monitoring systems in place to combat green leaf theft.
The union has called on district authorities and law enforcement to enhance surveillance and take strict action against those responsible, while also advocating for appropriate regulatory measures to protect the interests of both workers and tea estate management.
They cautioned that if the situation remains unresolved, they may be forced to initiate democratic movements in the near future to advocate for their demands.