Water Transport Workers Federation of India refuses to handle arms shipments to Israel
New Delhi: The Water Transport Workers Federation of India, which represents 3,500 workers across 11 major Indian ports, has officially declared its refusal to load or unload weapons destined for Israel.
The press release issued by them, dated February 14, says they have “decided to refuse to load or unload weaponized cargoes from Israel or any other country which could handle military equipments and its allied cargo for war in Palestine.”
The union's statement emphasized its commitment to opposing wars and preventing the suffering of innocent people, citing the recent Israeli attack on Gaza as a significant catalyst for their decision. The union condemned the violence that has resulted in extensive casualties, especially among women and children.
T. Narendra Rao, the General Secretary of the Water Transport Federation of India, stated that the decision was influenced by their affiliation with the World Federation of Trade Unions, a global body. Rao highlighted the solidarity expressed by trade unions worldwide for the cause of a free Palestine. The union's members collectively decided not to handle any type of weaponized cargo that could contribute to conflict and violence.
Although there are no reports of specific shipments bound for Israel at present, the union's preemptive announcement aims to demonstrate their stance against supporting any enterprise that aids Israel's military actions against the Palestinian people. Rao emphasized that their workers would not participate in loading or unloading anything that furthers the cause of war.
In related developments, it was revealed that a Hyderabad-based joint venture, in which the Adani Group has a controlling stake, manufactured and dispatched over 20 military drones to the Israeli military. These Hermes drones are similar to those delivered by Adani-Elbit Advanced Systems India Ltd and are reportedly being used extensively in the ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
The World Federation of Trade Unions issued a call for solidarity with the people of Palestine, condemning the ongoing violence and expressing readiness to intensify actions until the end of the occupation and liberation of Palestinian land.
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Waqf (Amendment) Bill passed in Lok Sabha with 288 votes
New Delhi: The Lok Sabha on Thursday passed the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, with 288 votes in favor and 232 against, following an intense and fiery debate that saw heated exchanges between the government and the opposition.
