Panipat.
On Monday, a war-like situation arose in the refinery located in Panipat, Haryana, when thousands of workers became furious. There was heavy stone pelting and vehicles were vandalized in the violent clash between the workers and security forces protesting for their various demands. The situation became so out of control that the paramilitary force (CISF) had to resort to aerial firing to control the situation. Violence broke out after an altercation
According to the information, about 35 to 40 thousand laborers work on different projects of the refinery. At 9:30 am on Monday, the workers were sitting on strike at Gate No. 4 with their demands. At around 1 pm, the altercation between the CISF personnel deployed for security and the workers turned violent.
Attack with sticks: The workers came forward armed with sticks and started pelting stones at the security forces.
Vehicles targeted: The angry mob vandalized more than 10 vehicles parked near the under-construction project and overturned many vehicles.
Aerial firing: In self-defence and to disperse the crowd, CISF officers fired 2 rounds in the air.
Policemen ran away to save their lives
A horrifying scene can be seen in the video that has gone viral on social media, where workers are chasing policemen and employees are seen running to save their lives. Many policemen have suffered head injuries in this clash. There was a tense atmosphere in the refinery premises for about one and a half hours.
Pain of workers: “Work for 12 hours instead of 8 hours, yet the behavior is not right.” The workers have cited the misbehavior of contractors and officials as the main reason behind their strike. Their main demands are as follows:
Duty time and overtime: The workers allege that they are being made to work for 12 hours instead of 8, but are not given overtime pay.
Lack of basic facilities: There is no provision of toilet and canteen at the workplace, due to which they have to walk several meters away for food and other needs.
Deduction in salary: Unaccounted deductions are being made from the salary in the name of PF and ESI, for which no transparent account is available.
Abuse: In the name of gate pass and other checks, security forces and contractors abuse and misbehave with them.
Administration’s side: Now claiming peace
DSP City Rajbir said that the atmosphere had heated up regarding the demands of the workers, but now the situation is completely under control. The police have taken over law and order and discussions are being held with the workers’ representatives after taking written demand letters. At present there is peace in the refinery.
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