The production of Mysore silk sarees has been severely disrupted following protests by employees of the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC). The demonstrations arose from concerns that their workplace land may be repurposed for a new stadium by the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports. Operations at the primary KSIC facility located in T. Narsipur have come to a complete standstill. This cessation in production has led to an adverse ripple effect, causing weaving units in the Mysuru and Channapatna regions to halt their activities as well.

Protests Expand as More Workers Join the Cause

The unrest commenced on Saturday when 192 employees from the raw silk yarn reeling unit in T. Narsipur ceased work. As the days progressed, the protest gained momentum, with nearly 900 workers across various weaving units participating. In total, approximately 700 employees from Mysuru and 200 from Channapatna have joined in solidarity to halt saree production.

Demands for Land Retention and Job Security

The protesting workers are gathering near the KSIC filature in T. Narsipur, where they are making a unified demand for the preservation of the five-acre land for silk production purposes. They seek assurances that the reeling unit will not be dismantled, emphasizing the critical role that this land plays in sustaining their livelihood and the broader silk weaving industry.

Government Officials Engage with Protesters

In response to the escalating situation, KSIC Managing Director Zehera Naseem and R. Girish, the Secretary of the Sericulture Department, visited the protest site on Wednesday. They urged the employees to return to work, emphasizing the importance of continuing production. Despite these appeals, the workers have made it clear that they are unwilling to resume their duties unless Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directly intervenes to address and resolve their concerns regarding the land.

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