A tea garden in Karimganj district has been closed down ahead of theDurga Puja. The Manager of the Hatikhira tea estate in the district hasabsconded fearing that the tea labourers will fall in distress.

Everything was running smoothly but problem arrived when the officialsof the garden panchayat asks for bonus. Although the workers have repeatedlydemanded for bonus, the garden authorities didn't pay any attention to them.

The workers expressed anger over ignoring their demand and didn't allowthe tea carrying vehicles to pass. The workers said that if the garden isrunning smoothly then why the authorities can't provide the required bonus tothem.

They protested in front of the office and said that until and unlesstheir demands will not be fulfilled they will not allow any vehicles to pass.

After the incident, a discussion was held among the labour union, localmagistrate and the manager of the tea garden at Bazarichora police station andthe manager assured that the workers will be provided with the bonus today. Butthe manager had absconded on Thursday night itself in a fear that he will beattacked by the workers.

The manager has given a notice of shut down of office to one-twoworkers through WhatsApp. The workers said that they have come to know aboutthe shut down when they went to work today morning. They have come to know thatthe manager is not there and they also alleged that they were about to gettheir weekly ration and daily wage today.