Diplomat Correspondent
Srinagar,(DD): The heart of Srinagar witnessed chaos on Monday as hundreds of daily wagers, casual labourers, and contractual employees took to the streets, demanding job regularization and release of pending wages. Their planned march towards the Chief Minister’s residence was thwarted by the police, leading to heated confrontations and detentions.
From early morning, protestors gathered in the city center, carrying banners and raising slogans against the government’s failure to address their long-pending demands. Many of them, working for years in various government departments, accused authorities of making empty promises while they continued to struggle for financial stability.
“We have given decades of our lives to government departments, yet we remain temporary workers with no security and delayed salaries. How are we supposed to survive?” questioned a protestor, visibly agitated over the situation.
As the demonstrators attempted to march towards the CM’s residence, a heavy police contingent swung into action. Barricades were set up, and security forces were deployed to prevent them from advancing.
Despite the crackdown, the protestors vowed to continue their struggle. They urged the government to take immediate steps towards regularization and ensure their livelihoods are secured.
“We will not back down. The government must hear us and fulfill the commitments made over the years,” said another protestor, echoing the collective frustration of thousands of daily wagers across Jammu and Kashmir.
With their demands still unmet, the workers have warned of intensifying their protests in the coming days, signaling continued unrest over the issue of job security and fair wages.(DD)