Cochin Shipyard explosion: Unions for enquiry into security lapses

KOCHI: Major trade unions in Cochin Shipyard Ltd have called for a thorough probe into the circumstances that led to the blast in the ship resulting in the death of five persons and injury to seven others. K.N. Gopinath and C.K. Manishankar, president and general secretary of the CITU Ernakulam district committee, respectively have called for probe into any security lapse in the incident. The vessel also needed to be thoroughly examined, they said.

Both the leaders also urged the government to take the initiative for conducting a safety audit of the industrial units in view of the mishap at CSL. CPM district secretary P. Rajeev also called for a comprehensive probe into the mishap. "It is a matter of concern that such an accident has taken place in a place like Shipyard which has always given top priority to safety", he said. Calling for adequate compensation to the families of the victims he also said the probe should cover allegations that "contract" system of employment has resulted in easing of the safety standards. 

INTUC state president R. Chandrasekharan said the issue of security lapse, if any, needed to be examined. Demanding proper compensation to the families of the victims, he said dependents of the deceased should be given jobs. K.V. Thomas, MP, has also called for a probe into any security lapses in connection with the incident. Calling for enhancing safety and security measures in view of the incident he said adequate and proper compensation should be given to the dependents of the dead and injured. He also held discussions with the top management of the CSL.