DIBRUGARH, Feb 23 � Construction works at the Gas Cracker Project at Lepetkata site, came to a standstill today following a tense situation after CISF personnel resorted to blank firing when an assembly of workers comprising masons, carpenters, bar benders and unskilled men prevented entry of vehicles inside the construction site in protest against the arrest of three of their fellow workers last night. Police also hurled tear gas to disperse the workers who blocked the entrance of the construction site. The chaos resulted in a full halt of all construction activity at the project site today.
There are altogether 265 carpenters, 355 bar benders, 212 masons and 3954 unskilled workers engaged in the construction works of the Gas Cracker Project, which now is known by Brahmaputra Cracker and Polymer Limited (BCPL). However, several organisations rushed to the site immediately to sympathise with the workers following the incident of firing and hurling of tear gas. As the crowd began to swell, Superintendent of Police, Abhijit Bora rushed to the spot with contingents of police and CRPF personnel to prevent further eventuality.
The three workers namely Tarun Phukan, Hemanta Phukan and Jantu Phukan were arrested last night after police received an FIR, in which they were accused of beating up few non Assamese workers the previous day. However, the local workers refused to buy the version of the police and said that the three were mercilessly beaten by the hired workers, brought in by the regional construction manager of the RVR Construction Company. At least twenty such firms are involved in setting up the Gas Cracker plant.
The refusal of the workers to end up their agitation was intervened by several local organisations including AJYCP and Mottock Yuva Chatra Sanmilan. The police relented and the three workers were released this evening. It is expected that work would resume at the Gas Cracker site on Wednesday. However, local workers are resentful of the contract firms� inclination to bring in unskilled and skilled workers from outside Assam. There is also an allegation that a few BCPL officials are hand in gloves with the contracting firms in provoking local sentiments.
