It is virtually a matter of tedious routine now for the 7,000-odd employees of the Bharat Aluminium Company. Drawn faces, creased in distinct patterns of anxiety, stare numbly at the proceedings. Yet others derive nervous support from biting their nails.
Fear seems to be the all-pervading emotion, as the future looks tenuous.
Amid endless speeches, a police-escorted convoy breaks their silence. The fleet, carrying officers who were instrumental in starting the steam-heating process in the plant, invites anger of the employees. The passengers of the vehicles are as afraid as everyone else. They also carry the burden of trying to coax their protesting colleagues to rejoin duties. Their voices, however, go unheard.