Nagaland electricity field workers begin protest; warn of intensifying protest

The All Nagaland Electricity Field Workers Association (ANEFWA) on August 30, began its first phase of protest across the state by wearing black badges following the expiry of its 15-day ultimatum

DIMAPUR/KOHIMA — The All Nagaland Electricity Field Workers Association (ANEFWA) on Wednesday, August 30, began its first phase of protest across the state by wearing black badges following the expiry of its 15-day ultimatum to the Power department over non release of salaries to 66 regularised operation and maintenance staff (OMS).

The ANEFWA Dimapur unit president Alangba told Eastern Mirror that after the first phase, which will end on September 1, they will take mass casual leave for five days in the second phase, after which the ANEFWA will decide the next course of action based on the response of the government.

He said that out of the 66 employees, who are not paid since they were regularised in January 2023, one died on June 16 while on duty in Wokha and a few injured. “How can the government expect us to survive without getting paid for almost half a year while we are executing our duty?” he asked.

Informing that they were working on a fixed salary of INR 5000-5500 per month before the regularisation, Alangba said it was the department which regularised their service on its own, while requesting the government to look into their genuine grievances and hardship.  

In Kohima too, the ANEFWA members marked the protest by wearing black badges to the workplace and hoisting black flags to show their resentment over non-payment of salary for eight months

However, president of ANEFWA (Central) Vethinü Kezo told this newspaper that the members were on normal duty despite the protest. He appealed to the government to release their salary immediately, considering the sincerity and commitment of the field workers.

‘Government should not compare us to the other departments. Unlike other departments, people rely on electricity for essential activities on a daily basis. When power goes out, it disrupts the lives of the people in a major way. This is why workers are always sincere in their work to restore power outage irrespective of whether they get salary of not,’ he explained.

Informing that its members were having a hard time with some of their children being warned that they wouldn’t be allowed to write examination if fees were not paid, while others are facing issues with landlords over non-payment of house rent, he said the association has to take up the grievances of its members.

He also sought the public to understand them and support their “genuine” demand.

Also read: ANEFWA to start agitation from August 30 over non-payment of salary