Sec 144 clamped at Essar Steel Plant in Paradip

Paradip: The district administration Monday midnight clamped Section 144 near Paradip Essar Steel Plant main gate apprehending a possible clash between two labour union groups of the plant today.

Initial reports suggest that the plant authority granted recognition to one of the labour unions following which another labour group proposed a violent protest on June 26 demanding closure of the unit.

Plant sources claimed as one of the labour unions was given recognition, the other group opposing the decision was planning to organise the protest today demanding shutdown of the plant. As the plant authorities apprehended violence during the proposed protest, they urged the district administration to invoke Section 144, further stating that there would be a law and order problem and the employees and plant would be in danger if the Section 144 was not called upon.

Meanwhile, security arrangements have been strengthened outside the plant to avoid any untoward incident. Senior officials said that keeping in view the palpable tension, police platoon has been deployed to maintain law and order.

As per latest reports, the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) has also called for a meeting with the plant authority and the protestors at 11 am today to arrive at a permanent solution.