Alert in tea garden areas

Police and para military forces are on maximum alert in the tea garden areas apprehending an orgy of violence over the bonus impasse.

In a message to the DCs and SPs, the authorities have asked them to ensure round the clock vigil in the tea community dominated areas saying an impending agitation over bonus payment might take a violent turn in the run up to the Durga puja.

The Assam government has already announced 20 per cent bonus for the ACTL owned tea garden workers. But the other gardens, mostly, have denied 20 per cent bonus which might erupt protest among the workers.