Killing of tea labourers: Assam gets AHRC notice

Three days after five labourers were killed in police firing over bonus dispute at Khobang tea garden in Tinsukia district, the Assam Human Rights Commission has asked the state government to submit a report on the incident.

The AHRC has directed the state chief secretary, home commissioner and the Tinsukia dy commissioner to submit a detailed report within a week and also to specify what measures the authorities have taken in the aftermath of the firing. The Commission’s director (investigations) will conduct an independent inquiry.

While most of the tea companies have persuaded the Assam Chah Mazdoor Sangh to accept the 15 pc bonus, some labour unions affiliated to the CPI(M) and CPI(ML) are still adamant on their demand.