Kupwara, Nov 23: Horticulture employees of Kupwara district staged a protest in Handwara on Saturday, demanding the release of their salaries, which have been pending for three months.
The employees, raising slogans such as “We want justice” and “Release our salaries,” expressed anger over the financial hardships they are enduring. The protest was organized by the Non-Gazetted Employees Union District Kupwara (Handwara) and witnessed participation from employees across the district.
Tariq Ahmed, District President of the union, highlighted that the crisis stemmed from a court order that withdrew the Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) powers from the Chief Horticulture Officer of Kupwara. He stated that while wages for temporary employees were ordered to be released, the decision has adversely affected the 190 permanent employees in the district.
“The financial strain has pushed employees into dire situations. Some have family members requiring critical medical care, such as a cancer patient and another suffering from a brain hemorrhage. Without salaries, they are unable to manage treatment expenses,” Ahmed said. He added that employees are resorting to loans to survive and are struggling to repay them.
The protest was also addressed by Syed Gh Rasool Geelani, National Secretary of the Trade Union Coordination Committee (TUCC) and State President TUCC J&K, Amir Geelani. He urged the UT Government and concerned authorities to intervene immediately to resolve the issue.
Geelani highlighted the plight of the employees, stating, “If the government cannot ensure justice for its employees, it raises questions about its commitment to the welfare of the workforce.”
The protesters called for a review of the court’s decision and the immediate release of their salaries to alleviate their suffering.
The demonstration concluded peacefully, with employees appealing to authorities to act swiftly on this sensitive issue.
