Silchar: Work has resumed at Arkatipur Tea Estate after days of deadlock, bringing relief to both workers and management. The impasse ended following a joint meeting chaired by the Assistant Labour Commissioner, where all parties agreed to restore normal operations from Monday.

In a joint statement, representatives of the management, the Barak Cha Shramik Union, and the Arkatipur Tea Estate Panchayat Committee confirmed that the situation has returned to normal and that both sides will work together to maintain peace and stability in the garden.

Estate manager Madhabendu Goswami described the recent strike as “unlawful,” saying all decisions taken at Saturday’s meeting with the Labour Department had been carried out. “The strike had no justification since the bonus was already paid and there were no pending dues till October 29.

Even the Assistant Labour Commissioner acknowledged that during the meeting,” Goswami said, adding that the management suspects external interference behind the unrest.

At a press conference held at the Barak Cha Shramik Union office in Silchar on Wednesday, assistant general secretary Ravi Nunia said workers had stopped work over certain demands but noted that the estate, currently under the supervision of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), has since reopened.

“It was decided that work would resume on Monday and weekly wages would be paid on Tuesday. The management has fulfilled that promise,” he said, thanking the authorities and management for resolving the issue amicably.

Arkatipur Tea Estate Panchayat president Kedar Goala said the focus now is to ensure smooth and uninterrupted functioning of the estate, which provides livelihood to about 1,200 workers and their families. Others present at the press meet included Moharram Rikiason and Jalal Uddin.

Promotional | North East Integration Rally