Contract Labour Protests at Panipat Refinery Lead to Clashes and Contractor Assurances

Contract labourers at Indian Oil's Panipat refinery have protested over demands including reduced working hours from 12 to 8, timely salary payments, overtime wages, and basic amenities like toilets and drinking water. The protests, beginning Monday, escalated into clashes involving stone pelting and vehicle vandalism, prompting police and CISF to respond with lathi-charges and warning shots. Authorities, including the deputy commissioner, have condemned worker exploitation, secured contractor assurances on demands, and called for resumption of work amid ongoing tensions and halted construction activities.