Surat: Surat police have detained Ramesh Jilariya, president of the Gujarat Diamond Worker Union (GDWU), just days before scheduled visit of PM Modi to inaugurate the world’s largest diamond bourse.
Jilariya’s arrest comes amidst his planned fast-unto-death protest against job losses and rising suicides in the city’s struggling diamond industry starting from Saturday.
The diamond industry in Surat, a major hub for diamond cutting and polishing, has been facing a downturn for months. This has led to widespread factory closures, wage cuts, and layoffs, pushing many diamond artisans into financial desperation.
According to Bhavesh Tank, vice-president of GDWU, who spoke to theFPJ from an undisclosed location, over 40% of the diamond units remain closed even after Diwali, leaving tens of thousands of artisans jobless.
Frustrated by the lack of government action, GDWU sought permission for a peaceful protest involving Jilariya’s fast-unto-death. However, the police preemptively detained the union leader, raising concerns about the suppression of dissent. Tank clarified that the protest is not intended to disrupt Modi’s visit but is a desperate cry for help from a beleaguered community.
“We are fighting to deliver justice to the tens of thousands of diamond artisans who are facing financial difficulties,” Tank said. “This is not about politics, it’s about basic human rights and the survival of our families.”
The GDWU has submitted a memorandum to the Surat district collector outlining their demands, which include financial assistance for unemployed artisans, loan waivers, and measures to prevent further job losses. They have also urged the government to address the mental health crisis gripping the industry, with many artisans resorting to suicide due to financial hardship.
Jilariya’s detention and the ongoing turmoil in the Surat diamond industry raise critical questions about worker rights, government accountability, and the impact of economic slowdown on vulnerable communities.
Modi’s visit to the city, initially meant to be a celebratory occasion, is now overshadowed by the plight of the diamond artisans and the simmering discontent within the industry.
