GJM blockade likely to hit tea export

The GJM activists are picketing at all the tea-processing units of the hills and not allowing trucks loaded with tea to move out. “The first flush season has begun and tea leaves are being brought to the factories for processing. If blockade continues,the finished tea will accumulate and this will hit the industry severely,” said Monojit Dasgupta,secretary,Indian Tea Association.

Dasgupta further said,“We have drawn the attention of all concerned including the West Bengal Government and the Government of India.”

While in March,500 tonnes of tea (finished product)is produced in the region,in April it goes up to 1500 tonnes.

Today the Consultative Committee of Plantation Associations (CCPA),the apex body of all tea producer associations of India,met in Kolkata and expressed grave concern over the development. The association also requested the GJM-controlled Darjeeling Terai Dooars Plantation Union spearheading the blockade to come to the negotiation table.

“We have become pawns in a political game. Now that the GJM is left with no leverage to bargain for their demand,they have taken resort to an economic blockade,” said one of the CCPA office-bearers.