Phagwara, October 31:Tension gripped the JCT Mill labour quarters in Phagwara on Wednesday night after workers surrounded Umesh Garg, Corporate Interim Resolution Professional (CIRP) of JCT Mill, demanding release of pending bonus and provident fund dues. The protest, which drew nearly 150 labourers, continued late into the night, forcing police to intervene.
According to eyewitnesses, Garg had arrived at the workers’ residential colony in an Innova car (PB-07-BY-6976) to inspect the site. However, when he allegedly asked residents to vacate their quarters—warning they would be demolished otherwise—the statement triggered outrage among the workers.
Within minutes, labourers led by senior worker Ram Kumar gathered and gheraoed Garg and his vehicle, accusing the management of ignoring long-pending grievances. The workers alleged that despite repeated assurances, their bonus and provident fund payments have not been cleared. They also cited irregular water supply, erratic electricity and poor living conditions inside the colony.
As tempers rose, Garg reportedly left the spot on foot, abandoning his vehicle. Police teams led by Inspector Aman Kumar Daveshwar reached the site shortly after and urged the crowd to disperse. However, the protesters refused to leave, demanding a public apology from Garg for his “insensitive remarks.”
By Thursday morning, Garg’s car remained parked at the site with about 8–10 workers maintaining a vigil. A heavy police force has been stationed in the area to prevent escalation. Officials said the situation is under control but admitted that unrest could intensify if the workers’ demands remain unmet.
