NTPC executives, who had planned to join the oil sector officers' stir from this evening, deferred their agitation for the time being, as "no communication could be established with hiding members of Oil Sector Officers Association".

"We had planned to join the stir, but unfortunately no communication could be established with Oil Sector Officers Association (OSOA) members, who are hiding to avoid arrest under ESMA. That is why, we have deferred our plan to strike work for the time being," NTPC Executive Federation of India President Rakesh Pandey told PTI.

Pandey said, "We are trying to contact them, as and when we establish the contact, we would discuss the matter with them. We support them and the cause for striking work."

When asked, what would be his stand if OSOA calls off strike, Pandey replied, "In that situation, we would follow our earlier plan of striking work for indefinite period on February 25. We would protest against unjust policies of the government."

The Federation had started its agitation by staging 'Dharna' at all establishments of NTPC this morning. The NTPC staff working at control rooms had not joined the protests to avoid any impact its functioning.

Earlier, the Federation had planned to go on an indefinite strike on February 25. In order to caution the authorities of the consequences, the Federation has decided on a day-long token strike on February 17.

NTPC CMD R S Sharma was not available for comments. However, this morning Sharma had denied any such action by NTPC executives. "We enjoy direct communication with our officers. This cannot happen in NTPC," he had said.