Nayagarh observes bandh for reopening of sugar mill

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Nayagarh, Aug 24:

The district headquarters town of Nayagarh in Odisha today observed a bandh called by Nayagarh Aakhu Chasi Mahasangha (federation of sugarcane cultivators) and Nayagarh Sugar Factory Employees Union demanding reopening of the sugar mill and payment of arrears to cultivators and arrear wages to employees.

While shops and establishments remained closed in response to the bandh call, agitators blocked roads at different places by placing burning old automobile tyres on the road disrupting vehicular movement.

Notably, cultivators have not received their dues for the cane supplied to the mill for a long period. The mill authorities have declared a lock-out since March 4 this year.

Sugar cane cultivators and employees intensified their agitation since repeated discussions between the government and the mill authorities failed to resolve the issue.

“We will further intensify our agitation till we get our pending wages and the only sugar mill in the district is reopened. Many workers have been rendered jobless with the closure of the mill,” said Jogi Khuntia, president Nayagarh Sugar Factory Employees Union.

“I have apprised all concerned departments about the situation. Hopefully, the issue will be resolved very soon,” said Rabindranath Sahu, ADM Nayagarh to reporters.