Trade unions' protest turns ugly as 10 cops injured in protest at Gangavaram Port

VISAKHAPATNAM: A tense situation prevailed at Adani Gangavaram Port in Visakhapatnam on Wednesday after trade unions called for a port siege demanding a minimum wage of Rs 36,000 for contract workers and the reinstatement of dismissed employees.

The police had deployed heavy security to prevent anyone from entering the port. However, the workers and trade union leaders managed to reach the main gate of the port as part of their 'Chalo Gangavaram Port' call.

An argument and scuffle broke out between the workers and the police as the latter tried to stop them from entering the port. Ten policemen, including Gajuwaka circle inspector and two constables, sustained severe injuries along with several workers.

The police arrested several trade union leaders who tried to enter the port. The trade unions have called for a further round of protests if their demands were not met.

In a statement, the trade unions said that they are protesting against the "anti-worker" policies of the Adani Group. They demanded that the company immediately reinstate all the dismissed employees and pay them a minimum wage of Rs 36,000.