Headload workers can load and unload from large vehicles, agreement to open shop forced to shut down by CITU in Mathamangalam

KANNUR: An agreement has been reached to open the shop, forced to shut down by CITU, in Mathamangalam. The decision was taken at a meeting between the labour commissioner, CITU activists and the shop owner. It is understood that the CITU has the power to load goods into larger vehicles and the shop owner can load and unload from small vehicles coming to the shop. Following the settlement of the strike, it was decided to demolish the tent in front of the shop as per the written agreement.

SR hardware in Mathamangalam, which had been given permission by the high court to do loading and unloading work by its own employees, was forced to shut down following a CITU protest. The owner, Rabeel Mohammad Kutty, had said that the shop was closed after the CITU headload workers started an indefinite strike.

Rabeel Mohammad Kutty alleged that he was physically harmed in connection with the issue. It is alleged that the CITU was sending back those who came to the shop to buy goods.

"The police over there were mere onlookers. The closure was because there was no business", Rabeel said.

Earlier, there were complaints that CITUs were detaining and threatening customers who came to the shop. Afzal, a Youth League activist, was allegedly attacked for buying goods from the shop. Youth League activists protesting in Mathamangalam were then thrashed.

Afzal-owned AJ Secure Tech IT Solutions in Mathamangalam had earlier closed its shop following the conflict. The SR hardware was shut down after Afzal alleged on social media that his life was in danger and that the police are not ready to provide protection.