JMM, PTWU declares bandh in Dooars on Jan 27

RAJESH PRADHAN, EOI, BANARHAT, 25 Jan 2014: The Dooars unit of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha along with PTWU today announced a general strike across Dooars on January 27 to stage their protest against the recent gang rape in Birbhum District and lockout of tea gardens in Dooars.

The JMM Dooars unit leader John Barala said there has been an increase in the number of mishaps with Adivasi girls and the state government has repeatedly failed in stopping it. Barala added the condition of tea gardens in Dooars is very diabolical. The tea gardens of Redbank, Dharanipur, Bandapani, Dheklapara, Surendranagar and others have been closed forcing the residents to lead a miserable life.

Several workers have died and many are still in a critical condition. He vented his anger over the tea management for unnecessarily closing down the garden over trifle reasons. He further appealed the government to look into the matter and suggested the government to formulate strict laws to punish the tea garden management in any case of death incidents. JMM Dooars committee vice president Peter Minz also vented his anger against the recent incident on Adivasi girl in Birbhum district.

Meanwhile, Adivasi Vikas Parishad leadership protesting the incident in Birbhum has expressed their satisfaction on the steps taken by the state government. The AVP leadership has said they will not support the proposed bandh by the JMM on January 27.