Massive Labor Protest Erupts at AM/NS India Plant in Surat, Police Respond with Force
In a significant escalation of industrial unrest, more than 2,000 contract workers employed by Larsen & Toubro (L&T) staged a large-scale protest at the ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India (AM/NS India) facility in Hazira, near Surat, on Thursday. The demonstration, driven by demands for increased wages and improved working conditions, quickly turned violent, prompting a heavy police response.
Violence Erupts as Police Deploy Tear Gas Shells
According to police reports, the situation deteriorated when workers allegedly began pelting stones at law enforcement personnel. In response, police fired approximately 70 tear gas shells over a span of 30 minutes to disperse the agitated mob. The confrontation resulted in injuries to three police officials, including a DCB police inspector and a constable.
An FIR for attempted murder, rioting, and property damage has been registered against 46 detained workers. Authorities are investigating the incident, with DCP Zone 7 Shaifali Barwal stating that the protest appears to have been inspired by similar worker agitations at the IOCL refinery in Panipat, videos of which have been circulating online in recent days.
Chain of Events Leading to the Clash
The protest was reportedly organized through WhatsApp groups used by labor contractors and sub-contractors working under L&T at the AM/NS campus. By 10:30 AM on Thursday, a large crowd had gathered and initiated the demonstration.
Hazira police inspector V L Parmar, along with other officials, arrived at the scene and attempted to negotiate with the workers. Representatives from both AM/NS India and L&T also assured the protesters that their demands would be considered. However, the situation escalated when a few alleged leaders incited the mob to violence.
"We have detained 46 workers against whom an FIR is being filed for attempted murder, rioting, and damaging property. The protest was inspired by the Panipat workers' protest which has been going on for the last two days," DCP Barwal told media outlets.
Property Damage and Injuries Reported
During the violence, workers allegedly damaged vehicles and property on the campus, setting at least one car on fire and vandalizing several others. The police force, including personnel from Ichhapore, Pal, Adajan, Dumas, and Umra stations, was mobilized to control the situation.
In a separate incident, inspector V L Parmar suffered burns from a tear-gas grenade. According to reports, Parmar was attempting to lob the grenade when stone-pelting forced him to take cover in a vehicle. The grenade accidentally detonated after hitting the car door, causing his injuries and necessitating hospitalization. Additionally, a PCR van driver was injured by shattered window glass from a stone impact.
Company Statements and Labor Code Implications
AM/NS India confirmed in a statement that the protesting workers were on an L&T contract and had been deployed across various locations within the Hazira campus. L&T, in response, issued a communication to the workers, indicating that provisions of Gujarat's new labor code would be implemented once officially notified.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions in the industrial sector, particularly among contract workers seeking better compensation and working environments. Authorities continue to probe the motives behind the violence and identify those responsible for instigating the protest.
