Kottayam: The ‘Pompila Oruma,’ which was on strike demanding the resignation of Electricity Minister M.M. Mani at Munnar for the past 20 days, withdrew the agitation on Friday.
Oruma leader Gomathy Augustine, who withdrew the protest at a cultural meeting, said that though the strike was being temporarily withdrawn, they will continue their fight for his resignation. She said that she was ready to die for the workers.
Though the CPM activists had tried to sabotage the strike, the people had supported it, she claimed.
The demands of Oruma also included acquiring the lands being possessed by groups likes Tata and Harrisson and giving them to the labourers, a minimum wage of Rs 600, 20 percent bonus and reform in estate laws. A strike will be held demanding these at Munnar on July 9, Gomathy said.
Aam Aadmi Party state convenor C.R. Neelakandan, who was with the strikers from the beginning, said that the chief minister was forced to admonish Mr Mani due to the strike, though the CM had ridiculed it as something conducted by four persons.
KPCC secretary Lathika Subash, who spoke, said that the Congress would press for the resignation of Mr Mani. Adivasi Gothra Maha Sabha leader M. Geethanandan and Congress leader Shanimol Usman were also present on the occasion.
