JOIN USTraffic came to a grinding halt for more than three hours on Monday afternoon as garment workers’ protest spilled over onto Bannergahatta Road.
The protesters sat in the middle of the road in the scotching sun, demanding government action against their employers K Mohan and Company (Exports) Private Limited and Shahi Exports Pvt Ltd whom they accused of failing to deposit their provident fund contribution. They didn’t care about motorists and said that only if other people suffered would the government understand the workers’ plight.
The protesters didn’t let vehicles, including ambulances, move. The police had to intervene and request the agitators to clear the way for ambulances so that they could reach hospitals on Bannerghatta Road.
Those travelling by bus, auto-rickshaw and cab started walking. Senior citizens, women and those from far-off places with luggage were forced to walk for more than three km to get even a bottle of water. Many shops had closed down fearing damage to their property.
Women accompanied by children were the worst-affected as toddlers were seen crying in the intense heat.
“Protesting is fine, but they have no right to make us suffer. Why should we pay the price of the protest. There is a designated place made in Bengaluru to protest. They should go there,” said Alok K, a commuter on Bannerghatta Road.
Another commuter, Mathew J, said that since the workers had a problem with the government, they should to the Vidhana Soudha and speak out. “It’s Monday noon and we have meetings to attend and are already late. Will these workers compensate for our loss?”