Maruti unrest: State Labour Min suspects external elements

Maruti's Manesar plant remains closed after the ruckus on Wednesday night. Haryana's Labour Minister Shiv Charan Lal Sharma on Friday said there is no clarity on when production will resume and emphasized on the need to find reasons for the escalating tension at the factory. The minister suspects the involvement of external elements in the clash.

Meanwhile, the Centre is keen on a probe to find out if the violence in Manesar has any Maoist link. Though, no Naxal link has been found prima facie, official sources said there was a need for a thorough probe to find out the truth. Sources said there were intelligence reports of CPI (Maoists) setting up urban bases in different cities, including Gurgaon.  Also watch the accompanying video.
Nearly 100 people were injured in the incident and a senior executive was charred to death during the violent clashes between the workers and management.
Maruti Suzuki India announced that the plant will remain closed today for the second day after the ruckus. Although, Maruti Suzuki Workers Union (MSWU) could not be contacted for their comments on future course of action, a worker source said, many of them are staying away fearing arrest.
"It is difficult to say now what we will do. We are also unable to contact our union leaders," the worker said.
The company had stated yesterday that it was "still assessing the total damage to property and facilities from the acts of arson. What is clear is that the office facilities have been burnt beyond repair, as have the main gate, security office and the fire safety section."
"We will shortly announce our decision on the next steps with regard to resuming operations in these facilities," the company had said.
Haryana Police had secured the plant and about 1,300 policemen have been deployed.   
Yesterday 91 employees, who were arrested, were produced before a local magistrate who remanded them to 14 days judicial custody. They have been accused of various charges, including rioting with weapons, murder, attempt to murder, unlawful assembly, assault and trespass. (With inputs from PTI)