The local administration on Friday promulgated Section 144 of CrPC to prevent any untoward incident following a dispute of a labour union here.
As part of precautionary measures, police also detained 133 contract labourers from the town apprehending breach of peace.
As per information, Hindalco Smelter Contractor labour Union works in the aluminum manufacturing company where Sipra Mohanty, a senior BJD leader, was the president. But later, some dissatisfied labourers nominated George Tirkey, Biramitrapur MlA, as their president. Consequently, the union was divided.
The union intimated this to the labour Department and the local administration but everyone remained confused as to whether the union was split into two bodies or remained one. Especially, contractors of the company who have appointed the labourers of the forum stayed confused.
Further, both the groups in the union were using the same letter pad and the same registration number of the union for any correspondent to the labour Department or the local administration.
The contractors sought for a clarification to the DlC (Deputy labour Commissioner) at Sambalpur regarding the claims of the both sides. However, the DlC in his clarification stated that, in the case, he has no authority to give the genuineness of the claims of either Mohanty or Tirkey as the president. But at the same time, he suggested to go to the civil court which has only got the power to settle the case.
But time and again Tirkey and his supporters were trying to hold meetings in Hirakud to which the other group protested. A meeting by the supporters of Tirkey on Friday led to a situation of confrontation between the two groups.
And to avert any such unpleasant situation, police promulgated 144 in the town. Further those who tried to hold the meeting in spite of 144 in the town, police detained them as precautionary measures.
It is further learnt that Tirkey is very much present in Sambalpur town. But he didn’t go to Hirakud to attend the meeting organized by his supporters.