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Stone-Pelting, Lathicharge After Workers Block Refinery Road

Panipat: Fresh violence broke out at the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) Refinery in Panipat on Wednesday as protesting labourers once again clashed with police while pressing for their demands.

Hundreds of workers gathered at the refinery gate on Refinery Road and blocked traffic, raising slogans against contractors and project management. Police officials initially attempted to persuade the demonstrators to clear the road and maintain peace.

However, tensions escalated when some protesters allegedly began pelting stones at police personnel. In response, police resorted to a lathi charge to disperse the crowd. Several labourers sustained injuries during the action.

A heavy police force, along with personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), was deployed at the site to prevent further escalation. The situation remained tense, with workers and security forces facing off near the refinery entrance.

Administration Steps In, Appeals for Calm

Panipat SDM Manjeet and DSP City Rajbir Singh were present at the spot along with senior police officials, urging the protesters to return to work and resolve the matter through dialogue.

The unrest follows a similar violent protest on Monday by thousands of labourers engaged in the under-construction P-25 expansion project at the refinery. During that incident, workers allegedly pelted stones at CISF personnel and damaged vehicles inside the premises. Security forces had fired two rounds in the air to disperse the crowd.

On Tuesday, a meeting was held between the refinery administration and labour representatives, in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Dr Virender Kumar Dahiya and SP Bhupender Singh, during which a consensus was reportedly reached on key demands.

Workers Demand Overtime Pay, Basic Amenities

Despite the meeting, workers returned to the refinery gate on Wednesday, demanding written and personal assurance from refinery officials that their demands would be implemented.

The labourers alleged that contractors were subjecting them to exploitative working conditions. They claimed the absence of basic amenities at the project site, including potable water, toilets, and canteen facilities.

Their primary demands include:

• Reduction of duty hours from 12 hours to eight hours, or payment of overtime for extended shifts

• Timely disbursement of wages

• Provision of essential facilities at the construction site

As negotiations continue, security remains tight at the refinery complex, with authorities closely monitoring the situation to prevent further violence.