Trade unions to review plans for May 20 strike amid rising Indo-Pak tensions

Neew Delhi: Ten central trade unions (CTUs) on Friday said preparations for the May 20 general strike are "determinedly" progressing, but will review the evolving situation next week to decide on whether to go ahead against the backdrop of rising tension between India and Pakistan.

The joint platform of central trade unions and independent sectoral federations and associations met here on Thursday and reviewed the preparations, which were in “full swing”. “Anguish” was rising among the government, and management continued to “violate” existing laws by applying provisions of labour codes, which are yet to be notified, they said.

“Against this background, the preparations are more determinedly progressing...It was resolved that the CTUs will meet again on May 15 to review the situation as it evolves further," the trade unions said, as it referred to the “Pahalgam massacre of innocent citizens” and India’s retaliatory strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK).

Taking note of the strikes in Pakistan and PoK, the trade unions -- INTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF and UTUC -- said all efforts, including diplomatic channels, must be taken to “punish the terrorists” and at the same time, the situation should “not be allowed to escalate”.

They recalled the press conference held by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and said the officials had termed the action as combat action to “punish the perpetrators of terrorism on Indian soil” and that India is “not for escalation” of the situation.

“The people in the country have largely taken the sober view and are not for war to harm citizens in the countries. This is high time for the Indian government to control the jingoists and hate mongers in the interest of our country. We call upon all workers to be at the forefront to maintain the unity and harmony among the masses,” they said in a statement.

Unequivocally condemning the “barbaric” terrorist attack in Pahalgam that had a “motive to spread hatred and trigger communal clashes” in India, the unions denounced the efforts of communal outfits and those who continue to perpetuate their agenda of communal divisive polarisation, enhancing the motive of terrorists.

Appreciating the response of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, showing their immediate rejection of this killing of tourists and standing as a solid rock for national unity and integrity, the trade unions also condemned the attack on Kashmiri citizens and students in different parts of our country.

It also condemned the “trolls/abusers” of Himanshi Narwal, the widow of Lieutenant Narwal of the Indian Navy, who had disapproved of attacks on Kashmiri students and on Muslims in general and pleaded for maintaining the unity of the masses.