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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
12-year-old boy sexually assaulted by two classmates, class 10 student in Faridabad
Faridabad (PTI): A student of class 8 here was allegedly sexually assaulted for several days by two of his classmates and a student of class 10, police said on Saturday.
Based on a complaint of the victim's father, police have registered a case against the three juveniles under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act at Saran Police Station.
According to police, the 12-year-old boy, studying in a government school, was leaving the premises to go home when he was lured by two of his classmates and another student of class 10 to the school bathroom, where they sexually assaulted him.
Following this, the accused students allegedly assaulted him for several days.
The boy's father noticed changes in his son's behaviour and asked him about it. He narrated his ordeal to the father who then approached the police.
Two of the accused students live in the same village as the victim, police said.
A senior police officer said, "We have initiated the necessary legal procedures. Counselling is being provided to the victim, and the entire matter is being investigated seriously. Further action will be taken based on the investigation."
