Workers on flash strike at NLC

This, after CISF shootout killed a worker

Workers at the Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC's) mines have gone on a flash strike after a shootout by CISF claimed the life of one of the workers on Monday.

35-year old M Selvam alias Raja, a contract workman of the Neyveli Lignite Corporation, died in front of Mine-II when a CISF constable on security duty opened fire allegedly in self defence.

Unions are demanding compensation for Raja's family and employment to one of his family members. 

Meanwhile the CISF officer, Mohammad Nuwan from Bihar, was arrested and produced before a local magistrate court, which has remanded him to 15 days custody.

Sources said that Raja, employed as a contract workman in Mine I A, went to Mine-II to meet a friend. He was stopped by the CISF jawan when he sought to gain entry without a valid pass. The argument turned heated and the firing killed Raja, said an official.

NLC refused to offer an official comment but has set up a high level committee to probe into this matter, according to reports.

Meanwhile, schools and shops remained closed at Neyveli following the clash between CISF and the workers. Sources said that the workers and over a thousand villagers from Raja's village pelted stones at the officers, following which the police resorted to lathi-charge. Additional police has been deployed but tensions remain in Neyveli, said an official.