Assam Petroleum Mazdoor Union (APMU) Raps 'Syndicate Raj' on Petro Products

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, Aug 10: The Assam Petroleum Mazdoor Union (APMU) has condemned the syndicate raj on petroleum products prevailing at the loading terminal located at Gulai, Digboi. Notably, Indian Oil Corporation Limited’s (IOCL’s) loading terminal earlier located at Tinsukia has been recently shifted to Gulai at Digboi.

Following the reallocation, the AMPU alleged that a fake syndicate running in the name of Guali Association has emerged all of a sudden and the members of the Association have been forcefully collecting Rs 200 from a truck.

Moreover, the APMU further alleged that the Gulai Association has also been forcing the staffers of the trucks to purchase flame arrestor, helmet and uniforms from them which the staffers usually keep equipped with them. “Anyone opposing the Gulai Association receives physical assault and warning of dire consequences,” the APMU said in a release.

Notably, according to the APMU, more than 150 trucks loads petroleum products at Digboi loading terminal who are forced to pay Rs 200 every day out of no reason.

In the release, expressing concern over the ordeal created by the so called Gulai association, the APMU informed The Sentinel that grievances have been brought to the knowledge of the State’s Chief Secretary, IOCL authority, concern district administration and the police. However, the APMU said, “The authorities have turned a deaf ears to our grievances. Therefore, we are provoked to launch an indefinite strike against the gundaraj of the Gulai Association from August 13.”