Assam jute mill faces unrest as unpaid dues worth Rs 5 cr push supplier to attempt self-harm

Tensions rose at the Assam Cooperative Jute Mill in Shilghat, Kaliabor, after authorities failed to release more than Rs. 5 crores owed to jute suppliers for an extended period.
Struggling to recover their dues, a local jute supplier even attempted self-harm on the mill premises, though he was fortunately rescued in time.

The prolonged delay has raised concerns among the jute supplier community about the potential shutdown of the cooperative-run jute initiative. Local growers, suppliers, and mill workers, representing nearly 2,000 families, have demanded that the mill remain operational while calling for the gradual settlement of outstanding payments.

Suppliers emphasised that timely payment is vital not only for the cooperative jute enterprise but also for the thousands of families that depend on it.