Kottayam: Dramatic scenes were witnessed at the district labour office here when a bus owner stormed out of a reconciliation meeting as a trade union leader who had assaulted him a day ago walked in. 

Bus owner Rajmohan Kaimal was agitated over the participation of CITU leader and CPM district committee member K R Ajay in the talks initiated by district labour officer Minoy James on Monday.

Ajay had assaulted him on Sunday after he attempted to remove trade union flags hoisted in front of his vehicle.

The labour officer had called the meeting to resolve the strike called by the trade union, CITU, over wages of the bus crew.  Earlier, the High Court had ordered the resumption of the bus service with police protection.

Rajmohan took the stance that under no circumstances would he attend the talks along with the CPM leader who had beaten him. He was especially critical of the manner in which the CITU leader was welcomed and seated in the front row as the discussions began.

“I had a heartbreaking experience when I arrived here. The CITU leader, who breached the order of the honourable court and assaulted me the other day in day broad light, was welcomed to the meeting and seated in front of the labour officer. I only want to say one thing to the public: we should be ashamed and bow down our heads. This is the situation faced by a commoner and one who fights for justice,” Rajmohan told waiting media personnel outside.

“They have invited and seated the CITU leader who beat me up in the public road in the front row. He is one who blatantly breached a court order.  They cannnot force me into a decision by threatening me. I had served in the army and won laurels. I will live here fearlessly till my last breath. I will fight for the common people. Let them do what they can,” Rajmohan lashed out while showcasing the medals he won during military service. 

The stir and the aftermath

Last week, the CITU had hoisted the flags in front of Rajmohan’s bus operating on the Kottayam-Thiruvarpu route following a wage dispute. He then moved the High Court and it ordered the resumption of the service with police protection. However, Rajmohan couldn’t operate the bus as the flags were planted before the bus. The CITU leader charged at him and assaulted him when he tried to remove them.

The Kumarakom police later booked the CITU leader for the assault.