After 17-day protest, daily-wagers defer strike for 2 months

Srinagar: After observing pen down strike and protests for 17 consecutive days, Jammu and Kashmir daily-rated workers Thursday announced deferment of strike for next two months.

Addressing media persons here, J&K Casual Daily Wagers Forum Chairman, SajadParray said the decision was taken after getting assurance from Lieutenant Governor ManojSinha.

The strike has affected various essential services.

The daily wagers began their ‘pen-down’ strike on October 26 to press for regularisation of their services and implementation of the Minimum Wages Act in J&K.

“A delegation of the forum called on the LG, who gave us a patient hearing and assured us that the issue of our regularisation will be taken up,” Parray said.

He said that the Lt Governor also assured them that the Minimum Wages Act would be implemented in J&K.

Parray said that the LG told them that regularisation of 61,000 daily-rated workers was not possible in one go.

“The LG assured us that a committee will be set up, which will chalk out a strategy for their regularisation in a phased manner,” he said.

Parray said that after getting assurances from the LG, the forum unanimously decided to defer the ongoing strike and protests for next two months.

“We are aware that the Model Code of Conduct is in force and no decision can be taken regarding our demands as of now. So, we agreed to wait for next two months,” he said.

Parray accepted that the people suffered due to their strike but added that they had no other option to press for their demands. (GK)