Surat Weavers Protest as Textile Dues Cross 200 Days Ahead of Diwali

Surat weavers have launched protests against a textile trading firm over alleged non-payment of dues pending for more than 200 days, with the dispute intensifying after an audio recording purportedly showing abusive remarks towards a weaver circulated on social media.

A group of weavers gathered at the firm’s office in Millennium Textile Market II on Friday. Police were called to the location as the protest developed. The agitation continued on Saturday, when weavers approached Sachin GIDC police station and sought registration of a case alleging cheating and criminal breach of trust over the delayed payments.

Chetan Maniya, president of the Rapier Jacquard Weavers Association of Surat, said the dispute affected several weavers. He alleged that the firm’s representative regularly used abusive language when workers sought payment and had threatened the complainant with police action.

The immediate dispute centres on an alleged payment of Rs 8 lakh. According to the report, the weaver said only half of the amount had been paid, while the balance remained outstanding. The dispute escalated after the weaver posted reminders in WhatsApp groups seeking payment.