CPI(M) condemns arrest of Left Front leaders in Telangana

Condemning arrest of Left Front leaders supporting the strike called by municipal contract workers in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, CPI(M) today said the state governments must settle the "just" demands amicably.
Civic contract workers and employees in both the states are on a strike for the past 10 days demanding hike in wages.
The governments are being "adamant" and not resolving the demands even as Left Front leaders, who were on fast supporting the workers, were arrested, the party said.
"A state-wide hartal was organised in Telangana yesterday to protest arrests of the leaders and in support of striking workers. In Andhra Pradesh's Vijayawada, workers were baton-charged and many, including women, were injured.

"The politburo condemns the adamant attitude of the governments and arrest and baton-charge of leaders and workers. It demands the governments initiate discussion to amicably settle the just demands of workers," CPI(M) said in a statement.
In Telangana, the government announced a 47.05 percent hike in wages on July 16 and said it would apply only to those who joined duties till the same day heeding government's appeal against the stir.
Expressing dissatisfaction over government's response, the Left leaders had decided to go ahead with the shut down yesterday.