February 16, 2024
In a grim turn of events, Milan Chandra Sarma, a 63-year-old employee of the Cachar Paper Mill, succumbed to Multiple Organ Failure followed by Heart Blockade on February 16, bringing the total death toll of employees from the Cachar and Nagaon Paper Mills to a staggering 121. These mills, once part of the defunct Hindustan Paper Corporation (HPC), were subsequently taken over by the Assam government, leaving a trail of hardships for the workers.
Milan Chandra Sarma, a resident of Amolapatti Natyamondir Chariali, Nagoan Constituency, Nagaon, battled with deteriorating health conditions before his unfortunate demise at around 12:20 PM.
Despite the state government declaring Humanitarian Aid to address the crisis, the irreparable damages have continued to escalate, resulting in a series of tragic deaths. The government’s response to resolving the crisis has faced criticism, with calls for urgent intervention going unanswered.
In 2022, the Assam government took complete ownership of the state’s paper mills, including Nagaon and Cachar. The state Cabinet also decided to release the salaries of all mill employees. Minister Pijush Hazarika, in a press conference, disclosed that the mills had gone into the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). The Assam government, with the assistance of the industry department, successfully acquired the paper mills for 375 crores, despite a liability of 700 crores.
Minister Hazarika assured the public of efforts to develop the paper mill areas by establishing industries and offices. This move was a response to the longstanding demands of employees who had protested in front of the Nagaon Paper Mill, demanding the immediate release of overdue paychecks totaling Rs 570 crore.
The Joint Action Committee of Recognized Unions (JACRU) General Secretary, Ananda Bordoloi, issued a statement condemning the situation, stating, “A Govt. Of India, Owned Industries has turned to Valley of Death as a Holocaust only because of the Irresponsible, Inhuman & Hostile approach of the Government at Centre. While Natural Justice is Rejected by, A native Government & Inhuman Torture increases, the Only option remain open & that is ★CITIZEN’S COURT”★ of National & International Communities. Respected Citizens, Kindly Raise Voice for Justice to Save Lives of the Workers & Employments of Two Lacs Youths of Assam to Save Future Generation.”
As the death toll continues to rise, concerns about the fate of the workers and the future of the paper mills persist, demanding immediate attention and action from authorities.
