Chennai witnessed dramatic scenes on Saturday as conservancy workers held a series of sudden, coordinated protests at multiple locations in and around Parry's Corner and Broadway, putting the city police on high alert. The agitators, employing unconventional tactics, caused significant traffic disruptions before police arrested more than 500 of them to prevent a march towards the Secretariat.
Unconventional Tactics and Widespread Disruption
According to police, the protesters adopted a clever strategy to evade surveillance. They posed as regular commuters, grocery shoppers, and passersby before converging at five pre-decided spots one after another. At these points, they suddenly lay down on the roads, bringing traffic to a halt and forcing police to rush from one location to another. This coordinated action led to severe traffic snarls across Parry's Corner, Broadway, and adjoining areas.
Tension escalated near the Kuralagam signal in Parry's Corner when sanitation workers defied prohibitory orders and tried to regroup. Police had to block the entire stretch as workers lay on the road, raising slogans. Their core demands are permanent employment, regularisation of services, and withdrawal of privatisation plans for sanitation work.
Scuffles and a Dramatic Rescue
The protests turned physical as police moved in to detain the agitators. Several women sanitation workers were forcibly carried away after they resisted arrest, leading to scuffles. Police reported that some protesters lay beneath police vehicles, obstructing their movement and worsening the congestion.
A particularly alarming moment occurred when one woman sanitation worker attempted to harm herself by tightening her gold mangalsutra chain around her neck. Police intervened swiftly, rescued her, and provided first aid. Officials also stated that a few women fainted during the agitation and were given medical assistance before being taken away.
A Prolonged Agitation and Government Inaction
Saturday's flash protests are part of an ongoing agitation that has stretched for over two months. Sanitation workers from Zones 5 and 6 in Ambattur have been on a continuous hunger strike. Addressing reporters near the Madras High Court, Bharathi, the state president of the workers' rights movement, revealed that it has been 149 days since sanitation workers from two zones began their protest.
He accused the government of ignoring their repeated appeals for dialogue. "Permanent jobs were granted promptly when nurses protested, and similar steps were taken in other departments. But sanitation workers have been ignored," Bharathi said. He further warned that the protest would intensify and extend to the residences of the Chief Minister, ministers PK Sekar Babu and KN Nehru, and the Greater Chennai Corporation commissioner if their demands are not addressed.
Bharathi added that women sanitation workers have been on a hunger strike for 42 days and accused the government of showing no compassion, even after the death of a sanitation worker named Ravikumar. With talks stalled and workers' resolve hardening, Chennai may face further unrest until a resolution is reached.
