Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 13: The police foiled a large protest march of the Govt employees towards Raj Bhawan and arrested dozens of agitating workers at Panjtirthi here today.
A large number of Government employees including large number of ReT teachers, under the banner of JK Employees Joint Action Committee led by EJAC president Abdul Qayoom Wani assembled at Panjtirthi near Circular Road Chowk at Sidhra mini-bus stand and then started their protest march towards Raj Bhawan at around 11.30 am. Several senior Trade Union leaders from various unions/ associations of Govt departments and PSUs were accompanying.
The protesters were carrying banner and placards in their hands and raising slogans in support of their demands. Several union leaders also addressed the gathering before starting peaceful protest march. As the protesting employees reached near workshops just about 150 meters away from the Raj Bhawan gate, a strong contingent of police and paramilitary force led by SP city stopped the employees and stalled their further march.
The agitating employees showed strong resistance but they were not allowed to move ahead. The police had also raised temporary barbed wire fencing to stall employees movement. Amidst mild cane charge and scuffle the police arrested at least five dozen employees, including Mr Wani, Ganesh Khajuria, Shabir Ahmed Langoo, Wajahat Hussain, Vinod Sharma, Farooq Ahmed Parray and others, packed them in police bus and lodged them at Pacca Danga Police Station.
Later, receiving message from Raj Bhawan a small delegation of employees led by Qayoom Wani moved to Raj Bahwan and submitted memorandum with charter of demands. They received assurance that Governor N N Vohra was serious in resolving the pending issues of the employees and other temporary workers.
Earlier, addressing workers Wani said that ReTs are being victimized by some people in bureaucracy on the pretext of holding screening test, playing with their dignity and honour. He said that under deep conspiracy, attempt is being made to weaken the public sector units. He further alleged that attempts are also being made to weaken the trade union movement. Mr Wani appealed the employees to remain united for the common cause.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
