Jammu, 21 April (H.S.): The ongoing protest by workers of M/s Hindustan Pencils Private Limited (Natraj Pencils) entered its sixth day today, with employees continuing their dharna outside the factory gate against what they term as an “illegal closure” of the unit.

The agitating workers alleged that the management shut down the factory without obtaining prior permission from the labour authorities or issuing any formal notice to employees, in violation of labour laws. They have been staging continuous demonstrations, demanding immediate intervention from the authorities and restoration of their employment.

Harbans Choudhary, senior leader of the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS), also visited the site and addressed the protesting workers. He accused the management of deliberately attempting to replace regular workers with contractual labour. Choudhary further alleged that the recent fire incident at the factory was not accidental but part of a planned conspiracy aimed at claiming insurance benefits and facilitating the closure of the unit.

The protesting workers have appealed to the Labour Minister and the Labour Department to take strict action against the management for the alleged illegal closure. They also demanded compensation in line with “golden handshake” schemes implemented in other companies such as Bhilwara, Dajudwala, Hindustan Coca-Cola, Hindustan Lever Limited, and Himalayan Wool Combers.

Union representatives, including president Harnam Singh and general secretary Mohinder Lal, along with members Yashpaul, Sharda Devi, Nitu Rani, Reena Sharma, Chanchal Sharma, Arun Katoch and others, also addressed the gathering and reiterated their demand for justice.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar