Violent strike continues
Thiruvananthapuram: The indefinite strike by government employees and teachers turned more violent on Wednesday, the second day, as reports of attacks on employees, including women, came in from various parts of the state.
There were also reports of damage to property at many places, while the strike, called by pro-left unions, received less-than-expected response from the staff. Sensing the mood, the leaders threatened to intensify the agitation from Thursday.
The functioning of government offices, as also of schools, continued to be affected in substantial measure. There, however, were no signs of a talk between the government and the striking staff.
The government claimed staff attendance increased to 69.8 percent from 62 per cent on Wednesday. But, the organisations leading the strike said only 30 percent staff turned up for work. Violence was reported from 20 places, and several persons were injured. As many as 26 employees were detained, five were arrested and three cases registered in these connections.
Women employees who turned up for duty were blocked by the agitating employees at the public office here. An NGO Union leader, Vijayakumar, was arrested over such an incident. Four others were arrested while blocking employees at Vikas Bhavan. All were granted conditional bail.
A woman employee at an office near PMG fainted after the agitating staff waylaid her.
Meanwhile, striking employees and KSU activists clashed in front of the Secretariat.
Post new comment