CITU-BMS clash spreads tension across Tripura

FRPM A CORRESPONDENT

AGARTALA, Nov 8: Growing incidents of clashes between the supporters of the CPI (M) affiliated CITU and the BJP affiliated BMS has caused serious concern as it is polluting the work environment in different places in Tripura.

Tension prevailed in Dharmagar sub division last week following a clash between two groups of transport workers belonging to two rival organizations. One day strike was also called by both the organizations.

Now the rivalry between the two trade unions spread into Kumarghat where tension is prevailing over recruitment of workers for an ONGC drill site.

Total 1200 workers will be engaged for the site out of which 870 are skilled labor and the rest unskilled. The problem has started with the recruitment of these unskilled labors.

Earlier the CITU used to domite the recruitment and all workers were recruited from their list. This time the problem started as a section of labors refused to pay high subscription as demanded by CITU and joined BMS.

According to reports the recruitment process remained stalled for last few days.

Production in the Prescon Industries at Kata tilla near Kumarghat was suspended before last Durga Puja and yet to start due to similar problem.

The all India vice-president of the BMS K Laxman Reddy visited the state following reports of attack on their workers at Dharmagar.  In a press conference he said the CITU turned violent after a large number of workers joined the Mahakaran Abhijan on October 25 organized by BMS.

Subir Debbarma, state general secretary of the BMS said realizing that they are going to lose monopoly over labor movement in the State, the CITU turned violent and BMS workers were attacked at different places.