Protests Erupt in Margherita Over Coal Worker Layoffs

Protests Against Layoffs in Coal Industry

Margherita, May 31: On Saturday, members of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) and the Bharatiya Coal Mazdoor Union gathered in Ledo’s Tekok area to protest against contractors appointed by Coal India Limited (CIL). The contractors issued a verbal notice to terminate workers starting June 1.

The demonstrators voiced their opposition to ANE Mining, the contractor working with Coal India, demanding the retraction of the layoff decision.

Despite heavy rainfall, the protesters waved red flags and called for action from both the government and Coal India Limited.

During coal mining operations, it is essential to dispose of waste in designated dumping areas, which are the responsibility of Coal India to provide.

However, the alleged failure of CIL to designate these dumping sites for coal waste has compelled ANE Mining to cease operations, resulting in the layoff announcement and causing unrest among the workforce.

Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) leader Dhruva Upadhyaya spoke to a news outlet, urging the government to intervene and allocate dumping grounds to avert further layoffs.

“While we may have different ideologies, we unite for the welfare of workers. Through our demonstration, we call on the Chief Minister to address the coal dumping issue and protect workers’ rights,” Upadhyaya stated.

CITU leader Montus Tai criticized the verbal layoff order, labeling it as “unlawful.” He emphasized the urgent need for action to secure dumping grounds to sustain coal-dependent industries and safeguard workers’ livelihoods.

“We demand the creation of dumping yards to ensure the survival of this industry. The North East Coal Field supplies coal throughout Assam. If this industry collapses, many other sectors will be adversely affected, jeopardizing thousands of jobs—something the government must prevent,” Tai remarked.