CITU stages protest, violates Sec-144 outside Shimla school
SHIMLA::On International Labour Day, the left-backed Centre for India Trade Union (CITU) staged a protest outside Auckland House School, Shimla, where Section 144 (punishment for those joining unlawful assembly armed with deadly weapon) had been imposed.
The left-oriented organisation has been protesting for over a month alleging that the school administration sacked about three dozen employees. Two weeks ago, the district administration imposed Section 144 on the basis of reports received from Crime Investigation Department (CID). Before that the CITU had staged a 24-hours long dharna.
The CITU members also protested against the imposition of Section 144 and accused Shimla deputy commissioner (DC) Rohan Chand Thakur of siding with the school administration. “The DC is favouring the school administration. He should work in the interest of poor people who were sacked from the school,” said CITU leader Vijender Mehra.
Meanwhile, in the wake of the protest, heavy police force and a quick reaction team was deployed outside the school with a view to maintain law and order.
School principal Michael John said the workers’ protest is “uncalled for”.
“Those who lost their jobs were not employees of the school but those who were outsourced for some work. They were employees of the service provider company. After the contract was terminated with the firm, workers had to lose the job,” he said, adding, “Why is the school being dragged into this.” He also said that ‘hooliganism’ outside the school was vitiating the atmosphere inside. “Some parents have complained about it but we are helpless,” he said.
Shimla SP DW Negi said a case has been registered under Section 141 (unlawful assembly) of Indian Penal Code (IPC). “Police will make every possible effort to maintain law and order,” he said.