Mangaluru: South Kanara Beedi Workers Federation (AITUC and CITU), HMS and DK and Udupi districts Beedi Contractors Committee staged protest on Monday demanding to pay the salary to the beedi workers and contractors in cash.

Addressing the protestors in front of DC office, labour leader Muhammed Rafi said that nearly 5 lakh people are employed as beedi workers. After demonetisation 60% of workers who are illiterates and having no knowledge about banking sector are struggling to get their salary.

“None of the political representatives understand the problems of common people. MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, Shobha Karandlaje and D V Sadananda Gowda should pay their attention towards the issue. Or else we are also ready to fight legally,” he said.

HMS State President Sureshchansra Shetty, J Balakrishna Shetty, Vasanth Achari, Aliyabba, P Sanjeev and others were present.