Daily wagers in Dehradun have protested against alleged police harassment and violence against workers at Jakhan Chowk area of the city.
Stating that they too make a considerable contribution to the local economy, they have warned that if they are barred from seeking work in the area, they would rally and protest against the authorities.
labourers protesting under the banner of Uttarakhand Nav Nirman Majdoor Sangh complained that on August 9 the police caned them in the morning while they were waiting for work at Jakhan Chowk.
They were told that they could not stand there. UNNMS secretary Trepan Singh Chauhan said that when the workers visited Jakhan police post later, they were told that there was no complaint lodged against them but that the SSP had directed the action.
“The labourers have been told to stop using the place by August 25. labourers have been congregating at Rispana bridge, lalpul, Jakhan Chowk and Clock Tower every morning to look for work for the past many years but so far no one has lodged a police complaint against them.
“The labourers reside in Doon and most of them are also voters. The authorities have not designated any place in town where daily wagers can wait for work and in the places where they gather, contractors, building owners and Government agency employees hire them for various tasks. Those looking to hire workers should park their vehicles away from the road to prevent traffic congestion and the police should ensure this,” he said.
The labourers union has demanded that workers be allowed to congregate at Jakhan and be protected by the police in stead of being harassed.
If they are not allowed, the workers will protest against the police action. Chauhan said that there are about 25,000 daily wage labourers in Dehradun and they make a significant contribution to the local economy.