Tension erupts at Kathua’s Chenab Textile Mills as thousands of workers protest for full salary payments, clash with police

Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir, 08-04-2025: A massive protest turned violent on Friday, May 8, at Chenab Textile Mills (CTM) in Kathua, as thousands of workers, primarily migrants, demanded the full payment of their salaries and urged for arrangements to return to their native places.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shailendra Mishra informed the media that the workers believed the partial payments made by the mill were insufficient to meet their basic needs. “They want full salary and also wish to go back home. We are looking into the matter to understand the actual cause of the violence. None of the local residents have been harmed, and the injured will be shifted to the hospital for treatment,” Mishra said. The SSP also confirmed that between 6,000 to 7,000 migrant workers are employed at the mill.

The situation escalated when the protesters alleged that the police lathi-charged indiscriminately, reportedly injuring several individuals, including children. Enraged by the police action, the crowd retaliated by pelting stones, which led to further unrest and chaos in the area.

One of the protesting workers expressed frustration, stating, “The company is ignoring our pleas. We are left with no money, no food. Today is the scheduled salary day. We are only demanding our rightful wages and a chance to go back home.”

The incident has brought to light the growing distress among industrial workers, particularly in regions with high concentrations of migrant labour. Authorities have assured that a detailed investigation will be conducted to determine accountability and prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

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