Siliguri, 18th February: Within 24-hours of the protest initiated by the cleaning staff of SMC, the citizens of Siliguri are facing extreme difficulties.
The cleaning workers of the Siliguri Municipal Corporation area went on a strike since Wednesday in support of 10-point demands including a pay hike and job permanency. A rally commenced in front of Baghajatin Park on Thursday morning. Following which, they protested by throwing garbage on the streets.
The protesters alleged that despite working efficiently for the past several years, they are deprived of all benefits. Meanwhile, due to the strike, the city’s cleanliness work has been discontinued. The common people are facing trouble due to the stench from the garbage.
According to sources, the protestors threw garbage in Court More, Hillcart Road, and in front of various shops and houses. During the protest rally, the agitated workers allegedly vandalized SMC’s garbage truck at Hashmi Chowk (Venus More). They even staged a road blockade. However, the police reached the spot shortly after and handled the situation.
Meanwhile, district Trinamool president Ranjan Sarkar highly condemned the incident. On Wednesday, he said that he supports the demands of the cleaning staff. However, the way in which they are protesting is not acceptable.