Condemn Illegal Arrests of Substation Operators

DECCAN FREEDOM NEWS 

MULUGU DECEMBER 18

Mulugu: The United Electrical Employees Union (CITU) has strongly condemned the illegal arrests of substation operators heading to the “Chalo Hyderabad” protest at Indira Park, demanding resolution of their long-pending issues. District Secretary Ratnam Rajender and Electricity Employees Union District Leader Jayaraju criticized the arrests made at Mangapet, Mulugu, Venkatapur, and other police stations.

Addressing the issue, they stated that the previous government had regularized the substation operators and issued standing orders but later revoked them under the guise of “artisans.” They accused the government of betraying substation operators who have been serving in the electricity department for several years. Despite repeated appeals to the Congress-led government to fulfill its promises, their grievances remain unresolved.

They emphasized that the protest at Indira Park was a peaceful demonstration organized by the Electricity Employees Union JAC to press for the reinstatement of permanent status for substation operators. Arresting participants en route to the protest is unjust and undermines democratic rights, they said.

The union leaders demanded the immediate release of those arrested and called upon the government to address the operators’ grievances urgently. Among those arrested were Sudhakar, Raju, Raghupati, Suresh, Madhu, Pawan, Ramesh, Saibabu, Govardhan, Satish, Vijay, Sridhar, Ashok, Tirupati, and others, totaling around 30 individuals across nine police stations. The union urged the government to reinstate permanent status for substation operators and provide a fair resolution to their long-standing demands.