Mass Arrests of IT Workers During Nationwide Strike in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: As part of the strike in India, police arrested hundreds of IT employees and organisation leaders who were peacefully protesting in Bengaluru. The police arrested Suhas Adiga, General Secretary of the Karnataka IT/ITES Employees Union (KITU), along with other union members, several trade union leaders, and many IT employees.

KITU members responded that arresting workers who are striking peacefully showcases the anti-worker stance of the Karnataka government. They stated that the government had implemented provisions of the Labour Code Bill in compliance with the central government’s directives. They also alleged that the government had previously attempted to suppress protests, including those involving IT workers.

KITU further stated that they cannot accept the brutality of the Karnataka government against the legitimate actions of workers and that they will continue to protest against the unjust actions by the government.

The strike, led by trade unions including CITU, AITUC, INTUC, HMS, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF, and UTUC, comes at a time when issues such as the anti-people budget and trade agreements signed with the United States. Workers are raising concerns about several issues, including the overthrow of the rural employment scheme.

During the strike held last June, more than 25 crore workers reportedly participated. Trade union leaders have stated that participation this time would exceed the previous turnout