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Indian workers detained

DUBAI: Authorities in the UAE have detained 3,147 workers, most of them Indians, belonging to a construction company based in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, following large-scale violence. It could be contained only after the deployment of the riot police which is part of the interior ministry, diplomatic sources said. The workers have been sent to five detention centres two in Abu Dhabi and each one in Dubai, the emirate of Fujeirah and Ras Al Khaimah. Most of them belong to Kerala, Punjab and Tamil Nadu.

According to the sources, violence began in the canteen on Friday night when a few workers complained about the quality of food to the manager, an Indian national. They demanded a common canteen for officers and workers.

An altercation led to fist-fights, in which other workers also got involved.

As violence broke out, the police was called in but the agitating workers allegedly attacked and torched some of the police vehicles. Eventually the riot police controlled the situation and arrested most of the workers employed by the Al Hamra Construction company.

The Indian consulate in Dubai and the Embassy in Abu Dhabi are in touch with the UAE authorities. Local officials have indicated that they may not be interested in mass deportations.

“We have told the UAE authorities that we do not support violence. However, we have offered our assistance to ensure that those who are innocent are not punished,” the Indian ambassador to the UAE, Talmiz Ahmad told The Hindu. Analysts point out that the UAE and other Gulf countries have been facing labour agitations for more than a year.

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