Salbari, Assam– Agitated tea garden workers at the Fatemabad Tea Estate in Salbari staged a protest on Friday, expressing their frustration over delayed wages and a lack of essential provisions.
The demonstration, directed at estate owner Rajesh Kumar Jalan, highlighted the workers’ plight, as they have reportedly not received daily wages or rations for the past two months.
The protest escalated into symbolic acts of defiance, with parts of the estate set ablaze by angry workers. Chanting slogans such as “No justice, no rest,” “We want justice,” and “Rajesh Jalan’s dictatorship will not be tolerated in Fatemabad,” the workers transformed the estate into a flashpoint of tension, demanding immediate action.
Adding to the intensity of the protest, the workers criticized Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, accusing him of neglecting his promises to resolve their long-standing issues. Despite previous assurances from the state government, the workers claim no concrete steps have been taken to address their grievances.
“This is not just about wages; it’s about survival. How can we feed our families without pay or rations for two months?” questioned a worker, emphasizing the dire situation faced by the community.
The unrest has sparked broader concerns about the welfare of tea garden workers across Assam, a state heavily reliant on its tea industry. Activists and unions have called for immediate government intervention to ensure timely payments, provision of rations, and the enforcement of labor rights in tea estates statewide.
In response to the protests, local authorities have reportedly begun discussions with stakeholders to address the workers’ demands. However, the protesters remain steadfast, vowing to continue their demonstrations until justice is served and their overdue wages are paid.
The Fatemabad Tea Estate protest has once again drawn attention to the precarious conditions faced by tea garden workers, many of whom live in poverty despite contributing to one of Assam’s most lucrative industries. As tensions persist, the situation underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to safeguard the rights and livelihoods of these workers.
Read More: Border Security in Assam Under Scrutiny Amid Alleged Incursions by Bangladeshi Miscreants