Surat Weavers Protest Over Long-Pending Payments
Textile weavers from Surat city and district staged protests against a trading firm over alleged payment delays and abusive remarks directed at a weaver seeking outstanding dues.
A group gathered at the firm’s office in Millennium Textile Market II on Friday, prompting police intervention. The agitation continued on Saturday, when weavers approached Sachin GIDC police station seeking registration of a case alleging cheating and criminal breach of trust over payments reportedly pending for more than 200 days.
Chetan Maniya, President of the Rapier Jacquard Weavers Association of Surat, said several weavers were affected. He alleged that the trader used abusive language when approached for payments and threatened the complainant with police action.
The dispute escalated after an audio recording of an alleged telephone conversation circulated on social media. The trader is purportedly heard abusing a weaver seeking settlement of an Rs 8 lakh payment, of which half had reportedly been paid. Weavers also alleged that derogatory remarks were made against the Kathiawadi community.
The protests come ahead of Diwali, when weavers and jobwork providers seek to recover dues before the holiday break. Industry participants said prolonged payment cycles were adding to financial pressure amid difficult trading conditions.
The allegations and the authenticity of the recording have not been independently verified.
