By Pankaj Sharma
The 850 MW Ratle Hydroelectric Power Project has once again been hit by tensions after Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd (MEIL) reported a violent assault on its senior Human Resources official and warned that political interference and strike calls could jeopardize the project’s progress.
In an official letter addressed to the Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, the company stated that on December 4, its HR In-charge was intercepted near Village Johana by a group of unidentified individuals who forcibly stopped his vehicle and physically assaulted him in what MEIL described as a “vicious and unprovoked attack.”
The company alleged that the attackers also issued threats, warning that if the official continued his services, “he might be killed.”
MEIL said the incident was not a minor altercation but a targeted act of violence that has triggered fear among employees and workers, raising concerns about their safety while travelling on the project routes. The company listed five individuals allegedly involved in the attack and claimed they all belonged to Johana village.
The letter stressed that such incidents severely affect the working environment and could disrupt the uninterrupted execution of the high-value project, worth more than ₹37,00 crore, which is considered one of Jammu & Kashmir’s most important hydroelectric ventures.
Company issues warning against labour strike
In a separate “Notice of Appeal” issued on December 12, MEIL said it had come to its attention that certain groups were attempting to organize a labour strike at the project site. The company strongly advised all employees to refrain from participating, calling any such move a breach of contract.
The notice warned that participation in a strike could lead to termination of employment, legal action, and suspension of Ratle project activities for an indefinite period.
The company alleged that attempts to disrupt the project were being encouraged by a local MLA and a few individuals not on the company’s rolls.
MEIL clarified that the retrenchment of workers had been carried out as per law with the approval of the Regional Labour Commissioner (RLC), Jammu. The RLC had closed the case after MEIL agreed to re-employ retrenched workers based on requirement.
The company further asserted that no registered union associated with the Ratle Dam project had extended support to any strike call.
Project faces renewed uncertainty
The dual developments — an alleged targeted attack on a company official and warnings of politically influenced labour unrest — have raised fresh concerns about the stability of the project. With tensions escalating, MEIL has urged the district administration for immediate intervention to ensure safety of its personnel and uninterrupted continuation of work.
