Firefighters across Haryana launched a state-wide strike on Tuesday, pressing for the fulfilment of a 20-point charter of demands. Among their key demands is the granting of ‘martyr’ status to personnel who lost their lives in the recent Faridabad steel factory fire incident.
The protesting firefighters have warned that essential fire services across the state have effectively been left vulnerable during the strike. They further cautioned that if the government fails to respond positively to their demands by April 17, the protest could escalate into an indefinite shutdown of services.
The timing of the strike has raised serious concerns, as it coincides with the harvest season when crops are ripe and the risk of fire incidents is significantly higher. The absence of active fire services during this critical period is being viewed as a major risk for farmers and rural communities.
The agitation stems from a tragic incident earlier this year in which two firefighters lost their lives while battling a blaze at a steel factory in Faridabad. In response, fire department personnel across Haryana have united in protest, demanding that the deceased be honoured with ‘martyr’ status. They are also seeking financial compensation of ₹1 crore for the bereaved families, along with the provision of government jobs for next of kin.
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In addition to these demands, the firefighters are calling for the creation of a comprehensive policy to ensure proper compensation and support for personnel who are injured or killed in the line of duty in the future. They argue that such a framework is essential to safeguard the welfare and morale of fire service workers.
Authorities and employee representatives have already engaged in three rounds of negotiations to resolve the issue, but all discussions have ended without agreement. As a result, the strike has been extended until April 17, with the possibility of further escalation if no resolution is reached.
Amid the ongoing strike, a fire incident was reported in Karnal on Monday, where a truck carrying scrap materials caught fire while en route from Delhi to Chandigarh. Fire tenders were dispatched to the scene and successfully brought the blaze under control. Although the cargo sustained damage, no casualties were reported.
Station House Officer of Karnal Highway Police, Darshan Singh, confirmed that an investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of the fire. He stated that while the flames have been extinguished, the origin of the incident remains unclear and will be examined in detail.
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