The "End of an Era" in Indore: Hukamchand Mill's Closure After 32 Years.
Introduction:
Indore, a city with a rich industrial history, witnessed the end of an era after 32 years with the closure of Hukamchand Mill. Every Sunday, workers and their families used to gather at the mill premises, continuing a tradition of protest and unity. However, this longstanding practice is now coming to a halt as the Housing Board has acquired the mill’s land, paving the way for an IT park.
The 32-Year Struggle:
Over the past three decades, many leaders who spearheaded the protest have departed from this world, yet the movement persisted. 12 December 2023 marks the 33rd year since the mill’s closure. Although the mill’s operations ceased, its doors never closed for the workers.
Resilience Against Closure:
32 years ago, on December 12, Hukamchand Mill shut down, but the laborers refused to accept defeat. Every Sunday, they continued to gather for their peaceful protest at the mill premises, leaving an indelible mark on the city’s history. Now, with the mill’s land in the hands of the Housing Board, it is destined to transform into an IT park, symbolizing the end of this era.
The Unyielding Spirit:
It’s a rare sight in the country for a protest to persist for so many years, especially after the closure of other textile mills. Few days before the mill’s anniversary, the 1648th meeting of the workers took place at the mill premises. The discussions included compensation for the workers, bringing a conclusion to the prolonged series of meetings. This signals the eventual end of the enduring protest.
Impact on Workers’ Lives:
The closure disrupted the education of the workers’ children due to financial constraints, forcing many of them into sudden unemployment. The economic hardships led to diverse job choices, from security work to selling vegetables, as over six thousand workers were left unemployed overnight.
Jail Protests and Hunger Strikes:
To push for the reopening of the mill, workers resorted to protests, spending nine days in jail. In 2011, a hunger strike began, with a widow fasting for nine days. However, the assurances and promises remained unfulfilled.
The Future:
The journey from a textile mill to an IT park represents a shift in the city’s economic landscape. As the Housing Board invests 218 crores in the project, the workers’ struggle for justice and compensation seems to be reaching its conclusion.
Conclusion:
The closure of Hukamchand Mill in Indore marks the end of an era defined by resilience, unity, and a longstanding protest. The transformation of the mill into an IT park signifies the city’s evolution and the changing dynamics of its economy. While the Sunday gatherings may cease, the legacy of the workers’ struggle will remain etched in the city’s history, reminding us of an era that has now ended.
