Garden closed

TT, Jalpaiguri, May 14: Work was suspended at a Jalpaiguri tea estate today following a worker protest against the management's alleged decision to assign other tasks to those who provide drinking water to garden hands.

Raja Tea Estate, on the outskirts of Malbazar town, employs around 1,000 workers.

Yesterday, some workers had demonstrated at the garden alleging the management had engaged the " paniwalas", who deliver water to workers as they pluck leaves, in other tasks. "When we asked officials why there were no paniwalas, they told us to fetch water ourselves," a labourer said.

Company official V.D. Dua said: "We were forced to announce suspension of work during the peak season because of disruptive activities by some workers. They are not willing to work for the entire eight-hour shift and intimidate the managerial staff if reminded about their duties."

The management staff left the garden this morning after issuing the suspension-of-work notice.

District officials said they were yet to receive any notice from the tea company.

"We have come to know about the suspension of work at Raja Tea Estate. But so far, no formal notice from the management has reached us," said J. Tanti, the Malbazar SDO. "Once we receive the intimation, necessary steps will be taken to resolve the issue."