Panipat, Feb 23: A protest by contract workers at the Panipat Refinery turned violent on Monday, prompting the CISF and local police to use warning shots to control a stone-pelting crowd. The incident at the Baholi-based complex highlighted significant labor discontent regarding wage structures and workplace hygiene.
The unrest began at the facility’s main entrance, where a heavy police presence had already been deployed. The situation deteriorated after a face-off with CISF personnel, leading to the reported damage of multiple security vehicles.
Inspector Neeraj Kumar affirmed that security forces fired twice into the air as a dispersal tactic. He stated that the measure was required to protect the facility and personnel after the protest transitioned into a violent standoff.
Workers at the site asserted that they have been subjected to 12-hour shifts while receiving pay for only eight hours. They further declared that their protests were a result of inconsistent salary schedules and poor health conditions within the refinery.
DSP Satish Kumar affirmed that the district authorities have since brokered a meeting between the refinery’s management and the labor representatives. He declared that while the situation remains under watch, it has effectively stabilized.
“The situation had stabilised and no formal complaint had been lodged by Monday evening,” DSP Kumar stated. Despite the violence and the subsequent negotiations, Indian Oil Corporation has remained silent on the outcome of the discussions or the specific allegations regarding wage deductions.
