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Over 7,000 workers, gathered at Hadanagar in Bhavnagar for a condolence meeting, raised hands in unison when a leader asked, “Will workers donate one day’s wage to the victim's family?”
Amid drizzles, workers lit candles at a ground located near Zapalia's residence to pay homage to the 21-year-old worker, who was expecting his first child next month.
“We cannot change what has happened. But our community will do whatever it can to support the family in its difficult time,” said Ravji Bavalia, a former diamond worker and ex-municipal councillor.
The meeting also became a stage for forming a Diamond Workers Committee, which pledged to continue the agitation till their demands are met.
“Zapalia sacrificed his life while fighting for our rights. The committee today take a pledge that it will not settle for anything less than what the workers deserve,” said Bavalia.
Later, the committee submitted a memorandum to the district collector. Its leaders announced to go on an indefinite strike if their demands are not met soon.
At the meeting, which was attended by top leaders of the region from both the Congress and BJP, two diamond unit owners also announced compensation for Zapalia's family. Heera Gangani, a unit owner from Surat with subsidiaries in Bhavnagar, announced a compensation of Rs 25,000.
Meanwhile, unit owners' attempt to end the strike failed when workers refused to settle for a 15 per cent hike.
Congress, BJP look to gain political mileage
Both the BJP and the Congress seemed all set to gain some political mileage at Vijay Zapalia's condolence meeting here on Thursday. While the Congress leaders generously announced and demanded compensations for the victim's family, a BJP minister narrated at length the slew of pro-worker measures taken by him. “We expect the state government to grant a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the deceased's family and Rs 3 lakh each to the two injured,” said Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil. Earlier, Jasdan Congress MLA Kunwarji Bawalia announced compensation of Rs 5,000 for the deceased's family. State's Animal Husbandry minister Purshottam Solanki, whose constituency Ghogha falls under Bhavnagar district, responded to the Congress' demand. “The government will provide all the possible help to the victim's family. I have personally donated Rs 21,000. I am also ready to immediately release whatever amount the newly formed committee will ask to support Zapalia's family,” said Solanki.
— ENS
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