35 Groups Protest Worker’s Death at GM Coke Factory in Assam’s Sonapur

Tensions escalated in Assam’s Sonapur region on Tuesday following widespread protests over the alleged custodial-style death of a daily wage worker at the GM Coke factory in 14th Mile. The deceased, identified as Dewaram Ronghang, hailed from Karbi Anglong and reportedly died on June 7 after an alleged assault by factory officials.

A coalition of 35 local organisations staged coordinated demonstrations demanding justice for Ronghang, calling his death a glaring instance of industrial violence and institutional apathy toward tribal workers.

Protesters Submit Memorandum, Demand Justice

As part of the protest, demonstrators marched to the office of the Dimoria Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), where they submitted a memorandum addressed to the Kamrup (M) district administration, listing a set of demands that included:

• Immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the assault

• Adequate compensation to the family of Dewaram Ronghang

• Justice for other affected or injured workers, if any

• Permanent closure and eviction of the GM Coke factory from the region

Speaking at the protest site, several organisation leaders alleged that the factory had been operating with blatant disregard for both environmental and labour safety regulations, contributing to recurring hazards in the locality.

“Dewaram Ronghang’s death is not an accident but a consequence of unchecked corporate brutality. We demand exemplary punishment and immediate action from the administration,” said one protestor.

24-Hour Shutdown Called in Dimoria

In a show of collective mourning and resistance, the protesting organisations have also declared a 24-hour shutdown of all small and large industrial establishments across Dimoria subdivision, beginning 5 AM on June 25 and continuing until 5 AM on June 26.

The shutdown call is intended to honour the memory of Dewaram Ronghang and protest what the organisers call a “deliberate failure” of the authorities to ensure justice and workplace safety.

The protestors further warned that if their demands are not met, they will launch an intensified movement in the coming days, which could take the form of “mass resistance and direct action”.

Factory Yet to Respond

No official statement has been issued so far by the management of GM Coke regarding the allegations. Meanwhile, local police have not confirmed any arrests in connection with the incident.

Civil society members and tribal rights activists have called for an independent inquiry into the factory’s functioning and the circumstances that led to the worker’s death.

Background:

The GM Coke factory, located in the 14th Mile area of Sonapur near the Assam-Meghalaya border, has long been the subject of environmental and public health concerns raised by locals. The death of Dewaram Ronghang has brought renewed scrutiny on the plant’s operations and its treatment of contractual labourers.

Also Read: “Our Land Is Our Spirit”: Assam’s UTOA Calls for Justice at Global Land Forum