JAF threatens to launch nation-wide protest

Bangalore, June 15 (UNI) Joint Action Front (JAF) of the Public Sector Employees Unions has threatened to launch a nation wide agitation if the Union Government goes ahead with the move to privatise the defence production, JAF Convenor S Prasanna Kumar said today.

Talking to newsmen here said that the employees and trade unions in Defence sector were shocked on the reported recommendations of the Union Commerce Ministry for allowing 50 per cent FDI in Defence production and Atomic energy.

"On the basis of Dr Vijay Kelkar Committe report the Centre was moving ahead to privatise the Defence production," he said adding that with this in view the private giants with a turn over above Rs 1000 crore were being stamped as Raksha Udyog Rathnas for allowing them into Defence production providing financial assistance from the national exchequer.

The Trade unions of HAL, BEL, ITI, BHEL, had began a week long dharna from June 12 to protest against the government's move, he added.

He said that as part of the protest the JAF will takeout a massive procession on July 10 in the city.

UNI