Wage Labour Union Leads Streets in Hailakandi During Nationwide General Strike to Defend Workers’ and Farmers’ Rights

Hailakandi, July 10: The nationwide general strike called by central trade unions and their affiliated bodies saw a resounding impact in Hailakandi district on Wednesday, with streets deserted and commercial establishments shuttered in a strong show of dissent against alleged anti-labour and anti-farmer policies of the government.

From the early hours of the morning, public and private transportation remained largely off the roads, while shops, markets, and informal economic sectors observed near-total closure. Spearheading the protest in the district was the Wage Labour Union, whose leaders and members were visibly active in key locations such as Sirajpatty, Old Civil Hospital Junction, and Chourangi.

Protesters carried placards and raised slogans demanding immediate reversal of policy decisions that they allege undermine the livelihoods and rights of labourers and cultivators. Addressing media persons, Altaf Khan, Central Secretary of the Wage Labour Union, alongside Khalil Uddin Ahmed Majumder, District Secretary, affirmed that the strike had garnered significant support across the district.

“Our fight is for the dignity and rights of the working class and peasantry. Today’s response shows the people are no longer willing to stay silent,” said Mr. Khan. The union leaders laid out a comprehensive list of demands, including:

• Immediate repeal of the new Labour Codes,
• Creation of employment opportunities for the unemployed,
• Introduction of welfare schemes for construction workers,
• Recognition of ASHA workers with assured minimum wages,
• Equal wage parity for tea garden workers in Barak Valley in line with Brahmaputra Valley,
• Fair minimum support prices for agricultural produce,
• Stringent price regulation of essential commodities and medicines,
• Preventive measures to curb rising communalism.

The general strike witnessed participation from a wide spectrum of workers, employees, and local leaders across industries and sectors, marking it as one of the most cohesive labour movements in the region in recent times.

Observers note that the day-long bandh not only disrupted regular civic life but also conveyed a clear message from the grassroots—demanding policy correction, justice, and dignity for those who build the nation’s backbone.

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