CITU Leaders Detained for Disrupting Shimla Municipal Meeting

Authorities have detained three members of the Centre of Indian Trade Union (CITU), including state leader Vijendra Mehra, for allegedly interrupting a Shimla Municipal Corporation meeting on May 29. This arrest transpired after accusations from the Joint Commissioner of the Corporation, Bhuwan Sharma.

The union leaders protested against the dismissal of 41 workers associated with the Shimla Environment, Heritage, and Beautification Society (SEHB), following an indefinite strike. Despite an agreement between SEHB and the Corporation reached earlier, the Corporation has not acted on its commitments, prompting renewed protests.

CPI(M) State Secretary Sanjay Chauhan criticized the arrests, describing them as undemocratic, and accused the government of attempting to suppress the SEHB workers' movement instead of addressing their grievances. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has demanded the immediate release of the detained leaders, warning of a statewide protest if their calls are ignored.

The protest occurred during the Shimla Municipal Corporation's monthly meeting, leading to tensions with local government officials. A case has been filed against the CITU leaders under sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, with further investigations ongoing.

(With inputs from agencies.)