At least four people were killed and ten others injured in a clash between members of labour union and armed guards of a Shimla-based contractor on the north campus of IIT Mandi on Saturday. labourers alleged that armed guards hired from Punjab by contractor Rajiv Sharma triggered the fight by opening fire on the workers who were shouting slogans to demand their rights, including wages.
The firing provoked the agitating labourers into pouncing upon the the guards, who took to their heels. Two guards died on the spot. Others scurried to safety in the nearby forest. Two injured guards succumbed to injuries at Mandi Regional Hospital. Mandi’s Additional Superintendent of Police Kuldip Rana rushed to the spot with a big contingent of force and brought the situation under control. The construction work at the IIT is being executed by the CPWD, which has sub-let it to another construction company. CITU general secretary Kashmir Singh Thakur said the striking workers were indiscriminately fired upon by five to six hired gunmen of the contractor. He said the workers were on strike to press for their demands, including release of their salaries.
labour leaders have been alleging blatant violation of labour laws and exploitation of the workers. Had the labour Commissioner taken some remedial action in time the loss of precious lives could have been averted, said CITU leader Paras Ram. The management of the IIT is also being accused of turning a blind eye to the trouble brewing on the campus and failing to assess the gravity of the situation. Meanwhile, the Himachal Government has ordered an enquiry into the tragic episode on IIT campus.