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6 ATCs sacked as government gets tough

Six air traffic controllers were dismissed today, four in Bombay and two in Delhi, after the ATCs continued with their agitation despite court orders and enforcement of the Essential Services Maintenance Act in the capital.

In various airports in the country, the ATCs were gearing up for a total strike following the dismissals, and the civil aviation ministry was readying its contingency plan.

''By and large everything is peaceful. The Indian Air Force and navy personnel have been put on alert to meet the situation if required,'' Civil Aviation Minister Ananth Kumar said.

the airlines, too, said they would be putting into effect their contingency plans following a total strike by the ATCs who have been on a 'go-slow' since February 1 in support of their demand for rationalisation of remuneration.

This morning, flights were once again delayed by the ATCs despite the Delhi high court order of Tuesday restraining them from continuing with their agitation. The ESMA was invoked in Delhi on Friday.

The flight situation was particularly bad in Bombay as services were delayed for longer periods.

UNI

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