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THE All India Federation of Anganwadi Workers and Helpers (AIFAWH), in a statement issued on March 13, has strongly condemned the atrocious detention of Usharani, president, AIFAWH and secretary CITU by Assam police at Guwahati Airport. She was on her way to participate in the ongoing struggle of anganwadi workers and helpers in Assam.
Anganwadi workers and helpers in Assam have been on strike since February 13, 2024, demanding an increase in wages and addressing other pertinent issues. This movement is being led by the Asom Rajyik Anganwadi Karmi and Sahayika Santha (CITU), an affiliate of AIFAWH. The Assam government has refused to implement even the recommendations made by the department of women and child development of the state, forcing the workers to stage a day and night dharna in Guwahati since February 26, 2024. The BJP government has responded with repression, resorting to brutal lathi charges against the peaceful demonstrators on two occasions. During one such lathi charge on March 11, 2024, Indira Newar, general secretary of the union and secretary of AIFAWH, sustained serious injuries.
Usharani, president of AIFAWH, was en route to participate in the ongoing struggle in Guwahati on March 13 and 14, 2024. Upon her arrival, she was immediately taken into custody by the police and detained at the airport police station. Following a heated argument, she was issued a notice and subsequently released. The police justified their actions by citing the backdrop of anti-CAA protests in Assam. The notice contained false allegations, accusing the protesting union members of attempting to breach peace and resorting to vandalism. Usharani was directed not to mention the CAA in her speech.
AIFAWH condemns the attempts made by BJP governments to suppress democratic and trade union rights, as well as the right to peaceful protests. This incident unequivocally reaffirms AIFAWH and CITU's position that the BJP government is implementing divisive measures that target marginalised communities and minorities, inciting communal hatred, and curtailing the democratic rights of the people. Under the guise of maintaining law and order, they are attacking trade union rights and the people's democratic right to peaceful protest. The trade union movement of the nation with the support of the people will stand up against such efforts.
AIFAWH demands that the government of Assam refrain from interfering with the democratic and trade union rights to protest. It calls for an immediate resolution to the ongoing indefinite strike by anganwadi workers and helpers in Assam through bipartite dialogue.
AIFAWH urges the people of the country to raise their voices against the assault on democratic rights and to support the struggle of anganwadi workers and helpers nationwide for their rights as workers and for strengthening the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).
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