Indian Shipping Cargo Union Refuses to Load Weapons Bound for Israel

Mundra Port, India. — Mundra Port, located along the northwestern India coast, on the northern shores of the Gulf of Kutch near Mundra, Kutch district, Gujarat, is the largest commercial and container port in India. It handled over 150 million tons of cargo for the FY22-23 period. It is one of many which could be affected by the new ban on loading and unloading of weapons heading for Israel. *Vija8808, CC*

The Water Transport Workers Federation of India (WTWFI), an organization which is affiliated with the Centre of Indian Trade Unions and the World Federation of Trade Unions, announced in a statement released last week that it will no longer support the genocide in Gaza by assisting in any way with the movement and securing of weapons, munitions, and other materiel which Israel could use to kill innocent civilians.

This ban, effective immediately, covers both shipments provided directly for Israel or any other country which is involved in assisting the Zionist government in the war against the Palestinian people.

The Federation also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The Water Transport Workers Federation statement was issued as a press release on February 14, 2024, from its national headquarters in Chennai, India. It was signed off by T. Narendra Rao, the organization’s General Secretary.

The statement is quoted below in full and unedited.

TO WHOMSOEVER IT MAY CONCERN

The Water Transport Workers Federation of India representing more than 3500 workers at the 11 Major Ports in the Country has decided to refuse to load or unload weaponized cargoes from Israel or any other country which could handle military equipments and its allied cargo for war in Palestine.

We the Port Workers, part of labour unions would always stand against the war and killing innocent people like women and children. The recent attack of Israel on Gaza plunging thousands of Palestinians into immense suffering and loss. Women and children have been blown to pieces in the war. Parents were unable to recognize their children killed in bombings which were exploding everywhere.

At this juncture our Union members have collectively decided to refuse handling all types of weaponised cargoes. Loading and unloading these weapons helps provide organizations with the ability to kill innocent people.

Therefore, We, the Indian Port & Dock Workers from various Major Ports active in the ground of Cargo handling sector, call on our members to no longer handle any ships which carry military materiel to Palestine/Israel.

We therefore also call for an immediate ceasefire. As the responsible trade unions, we declare our solidarity with those who campaign for peace. We call upon the workers of the world and peace-loving people to stand with the demand of free Palestine.

T. Narendra Rao, General Secretary

The fascist Hindu regime of Narendra Modi has been wholeheartedly supporting the genocide of Palestinians. It is encouraging to see Indian citizens standing up and doing what is right.