Hunger strike over BSL jobs for displaced families enters 7th day

Bokaro: An indefinite hunger strike by hundreds of displaced persons demanding jobs at the Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) entered its seventh day on Friday, with the protest intensifying into a blockade of several plant gates.More than a dozen protesters, including women, were admitted to hospital in the last 24 hours after their health deteriorated during the fast, which began at Two Tank Garden near the BSL headquarters on Oct 10, protesters said.The agitators had closed Steel Gate No. 9 and Dugal Gate No. 10 on Thursday. On Friday, after what they described as a lack of positive response from BSL management, they blocked gates 3, 4 and 5, besides the CZ Gate and Mansa Singh Gate. The protesters threatened to shut the main gate on Saturday.Bokaro Congress MLA Shwettaa Singh, who has joined the agitators, said the protest was peaceful but warned that the blockade could affect plant operations. “We are ready for talks, but no senior decision-maker from BSL has come to us in seven days,” she said.The protesters, under the banner of Visthapit Apprentice Sangh, are demanding reinstatement of displaced apprentice trainees, restoration of the earlier reservation system for Class IV jobs, regular appointments and a clear employment policy for families displaced by the steel plant. They said families who gave up land for the plant should get priority in jobs and should not be pushed into contractual work.The blockade affected employee movement and triggered concern over operations. A contract worker at the sinter plant said workers who usually enter through Gate No. 3 were forced to use the Main Gate; he said he abandoned his trip because of the disruption.The agitation has received support from BJP, Congress and JKLM. Dumri MLA and JKLM chief Jairam Mahto visited the protest site, while Dhanbad BJP MP Dulu Mahato extended support on Thursday. Senior Congress members, including state ministers, are expected to visit the site on Saturday.Bokaro deputy commissioner Ajay Nath Jha has asked BSL to begin talks. The PSU said 204 of 950 displaced apprentices had been given contractual employment by Oct 3.Stay updated with the latest Ranchi news. Download the TOI App.