Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) is gravely concerned over the ongoing violence and vandalism in garment factories as well as over the mass arrest and the garment workers being taken on remand.

The garment workers have been demonstrating for a long time demanding increase in their pay. The demonstration however took a violent turn, leading to vandalism and ultimately in closure of some garment factories. The law enforcing agency filed numerous cases against thousands of unnamed persons. This has been followed by mass arrest and remand of labour union leaders.

We do not condone any sort of violent activity. But at the same time we do believe that use of force will not bring solution to this problem. We urge everyone not to close the door for further dialogue and negotiations. The only way to reach a solution to this problem should be sought in continuous dialogue among the parties.