Nurses of private hospitals, who have been on strike demanding minimum wages, on Tuesday (June 23) laid siege to the office of District Labour Officer (DLO), A.K. Jayashree, in Kannur as their agitation entered the 40th day.

The siege was withdrawn after Ms. Jayashree assured the protesters that a special squad comprising three assistant labour officers would be constituted under her leadership, and inspection would be carried out on Tuesday at six private hospitals where the strike is underway.

The strike launched by over 300 nurses has been continuing since talks failed to produce a settlement. Several rounds of discussions, including those attended by the Joint Labour Commissioner, had ended without a decision.

The protest in front of the Labour office was led by INA State general secretary Muhammed Shihab and district president Sophia Abraham.