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Port strike continues on Day II

Our Correspondents

Operations in 11 major ports in India remained disrupted for the second consecutive day today as over 100,000 dockers continued their strike for more pay.

Negotiations between the government and trade unions have not resumed since they broke down on January 17.

The Mormugao Port Trust in Goa has been totally paralysed, bringing all its activities to a standstill, as all the three major workers' unions operating in the port premises at Harbour Vasco, are united.

Around 4,200 workers have stopped working from 18 January. Loading and unloading of iron ore and others minerals, the prime activity of the MPT, has been disrupted.

A potash-carrying ship had to leave its unloading operation halfway. Another oil tanker, anchored here for the last three days, is waiting for the strike to get over.

Besides the port activity, even the MPT hospital has become non-functional, except the doctors who were found treating the patients. Workers voluntarily helped in keeping the essential services running where their fellow-workers were admitted.

Police has been deployed all over the port premises and they are prepared to help the authorities to unload some essential commodities like oil and grain.

The striking workers however are bent upon stalling any kind of operation in the port premises, which may lead to a clash.

Ports of Pain!

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