Maruti Suzuki “ will likely resume partial production at its violence-hit factory in Manesar, in the northern state of Haryana, by Aug. 21,” says The Nikkei [sub]. The plant remains closed since a mob killed the firm’s human resources manager and burned down parts of the factory. Fifty management personnel and 9 police officers were injured during the clashes. Mass arrests were made. Maruti Suzuki declared an indefinite lockout at the plant on July 21.

The usually well connected Tokyo wire bases its report  on a story published by the Press Trust of India and did not independently corroborate it with the good sources The Nikkei has inside Suzuki. In the past, there had been repeated stories about a reopening, which did not pan out.

The situation remains tense in the region, especially after stories about involvement of Maoist terrorist groups appeared in the media.