Tura, May 25: A huge chaos took place on Tuesday outside the premises of the GHADC after the CEM Benedic R Marak directed the opening of the office and ordered officers and staff to return to work.

Angry employees of the district council under the banner of non-gazetted employees association who have been on strike for four months opposed the opening of the office and tried to force their way through but were prevented by police in riot gear.

They began raising slogans decrying the decision to open the council and became more agitated when they found out that a handful of employees had responded to the CEM’s call to return to work and had begun work inside.

Shouts, slogans, and even threats of assault were directed at those who had joined duty.

Police had a trying time keeping back the agitated protestors, many of whom included women, as they tried to break through the lines.

The CEM Benedic Marak had directed all officers to attend to work from Tuesday to prepare pay bills to disburse five months of pending salary to the employees.

But the striking employees have been refusing to accept the five months dues since it is under the old scale of pay. They are seeking one full year of pending salaries under the revised scale, but the CEM has spoken of his inability to do so at this juncture due to the acute financial crisis. He has said that normal function of the office is a must to address all issues and appealed to the employees to return to work.

The CEM urged the protesting group of the NGEA not to disturb the gazetted officers who are willing to resume the work. He said that all efforts are being made to resolve the issues of the council and pave a way for reform.

Terming that agitations will not lead to a solution, he further requested the protesting groups to allow the new Executive Committee to work and enable to bring the solution to the pending problem of the council.

Meanwhile, NGEA Secretary said that NGEA employees have come to work, which is a violation of the united decision taken by them. He alleged that those non gazetted employees who came to work were former leaders
of NGEA.

He further said that NGEA will not accept old scale salaries and will continue to demand for revised scale.

He also alleged that some non gazetted employees have divided themselves for their own personal gains.

Stone pelted at CEM’s vehicle

Agitating NGEA on Tuesday made ruckus within the council premises and even pelted stones at the vehicles.

Stone were pelted at CEM’s car. However, there was no casualty.

CEM Benedic Marak has appealed the agitating groups not to disrupt functioning of the office. He further said that the new Executive Committee is working towards creating a better working atmosphere for the overall well-being of the council.

He also urged the protesting group to come forward and allow the council to function.