Barely a week after the Kolkata port authorities promised to offer more cargo to ABG-run berths operated on a joint venture basis, a Trinamool Congress-led trade union launched fresh agitation against the decision.

ABG previously wanted to quit the JV on ground of lack of cargo offering. As a compromise deal, KoPT agreed to divert more cargo to the JV-operated berth.

Workers led by the Indian National Trinamool Trade Union Congress on Wednesday protested at the Haldia dock complex saying the port authorities were giving preference to berth No 2 and 8 operated by ABG Haldia Bulk Terminals (AHBT) — a joint venture between KoPT and ABG.

“KoPT is giving preference to AHBT. It is forcing shipping agents and cargo owners to divert ships to berth No 2 and 8. Why should port authorities intervene in the process? It this goes on, thousands of workers will lose their jobs,” Suvendu Adhikari, Trinamool MP from Tamluk, told Business Line.

Sources at the Haldia port said: “Workers have threatened to shut down operations at the dock complex and gheroaed the port officers’ residential complex on Saturday morning.”

Seeks Govt intervention

KoPT has sought the State Government’s active intervention into the matter.

“It is unfortunate. If they feel KoPT is not abiding by law, let them go to court. They are making things worse by holding public demonstrations. The protestors have neither intimated their apprehensions, nor come for a discussion with us,” a senior KoPT official, who declined to be named, said.

“There were complaints from the berth users (cargo owners) against KoPT for diverting ships to mechanised berths, even after allocating non-mechanised berths at lesser handling charges,” Adhikari said.

ayan.pramanik@thehindu.co.in

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