Death toll reaches 101 as 1 more employee of paper mill die without salary since last 62 months

March 14: The word ‘death’ is sending a chill of horror in the corridors of the now defunct Nagaon and Panchgram Paper Mills. On one hand, when the procession of deaths due to COVID-19 is going on unabated, on the other, being deprived of salary since last 62 months, employees of the two HPC Paper Mills are embracing death one after another. Now the death toll has reached 101 as another employee of the now defunct Panchgram paper mill embraced death on Monday.

Another employee of the defunct Cachar paper mill of the Hindustan Paper Corporation Limited (HPCL) died in Silchar on 14 March,, 2022 taking the death tally since their closure to 101. Bajlul Hakim Laskar, 63, of Cachar Paper Mill died due to kidney failure. Laskar was reported ill for the past few years but was still hoping to get his pending salary and dues cleared. “Without money, his family was unable to afford good treatment and he ultimately breathed his last due to the apathy of the govt,” said one of the union leader.

Manabendra Chakraborty, trade union leader of the mill said, “This is the 16th death since the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led BJP government was formed in Assam. These are not general deaths. Bajlul Hakim Laskar joined the long procession of deaths of our employees without getting any proper treatment. How can you afford treatment when you are not paid your salaries since last 62 months and also they are deprived of retirement dues? How many deaths will wake up the govt from their deep slumber?”  With this, the death toll at HPC Paper Mill has now reached 101 including 4 suicides.

Chakraborty further said, “A Govt. of India Owned Industries has turned to Valley of Death as like as holocaust. On 28 September, 2021 an agreement of ‘Relief Package’ for rescue of workers was arrived between Government of Assam & Workers Representatives under leadership of Chief Minister, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma. However,unfortunately, the relief package has not yet been implemented, and in dire distress the employees and embracing death one after another.”

Cachar Paper Mill and Nagaon Paper Mill run by Hindustan Paper Corporation Limited (HPCL) have been non-functional since 20 October 2015 and 13 March 2017 respectively. The employees of the two mills have not received salaries for the past 62 months inspite of the assurance of the state government to give them their due.