Sweepers backed by traders stage protest in Kupwara against anti-people policies
Srinagar: In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, sanitation workers backed by traders staged a peaceful protest in Langate, Kupwara district, against anti-people policies of the occupation regime, demanding regularisation of services and a hike in wages.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the protesters said they have served the department for years and decades but continue to work on meagre wages without benefits available to regular employees. “We have been working tirelessly for several decades to keep the town clean but our services are not being regularised. We deserve justice and job security,” said protester Mohammad Akbar.
“The monthly salary of Rs 9,300 is in no way sufficient to support our family in the present economic situation. Prices of essential commodities have increased manifold and it has become extremely difficult to meet household expenses,” said another protester Bilal Ahmad.
The sweepers said they perform essential public service under harsh conditions and must be treated with dignity. “We are not asking for something special, we only want our services to be regularised so that our families can have a secure future,” they added.
President Langate Traders Federation Mohammad Lateef joined the protest and backed the workers’ demand. “These sanitation workers have been serving efficiently for the last two decades and must be given their due rights,” he said. The protesters urged authorities to immediately intervene and regularise their services.
