Mukkam: The National Institute of Technology, Calicut, faces an indefinite strike following plans to lay off long-serving workers. Sanitation workers' strike has led to the closure of the main canteen due to waste clearance issues, causing cleaning activities to come to a halt.

Earlier, the Registrar instructed Group D sanitation workers to resume duties from Wednesday, but only a few complied.

Meanwhile, Estate and IRM officials of the institute have urged limiting food waste and maintaining campus hygiene. Despite unofficial meetings between officials and protesting workers, no consensus has been reached.

The workers, backed by several trade unions, plan to intensify protests. Trade union leaders and activists extended support at the institute gates the other day.

Police are camping on the campus to prevent any unfortunate events, as the CPM plans a protest march on Thursday.

Students have issued a statement in support of the workers, accusing authorities of making arbitrary decisions and abusing power.