SRINAGAR: CPI (M) leader M Y Tarigami took to Twitter on Wednesday to highlight the dire situation faced by casual labourers working in various government departments, including PHE, PDD, Agriculture, and Forest. These labourers have been deprived of their wages for several months, and Tarigami demanded the immediate release of their pending payments.
Tarigami expressed his deep concern over the plight of these casual labourers, who work tirelessly for meagre wages. He deemed it “very unfortunate” that they had resorted to such an extreme step to draw attention to their situation. He further emphasised the need for the authorities to address their concerns and hold accountable those who have pushed them to take such drastic measures.
Tarigami’s tweet comes just two days after a distressing incident at the Botanical Garden in Kokernag area of Anantnag district. Three casual labourers attempted self-immolation as a desperate cry for help. Fortunately, onlookers intervened and managed to rescue the trio. They were quickly taken to a local hospital in Kokernag and later referred to GMC Anantnag for further medical attention. The labourers have been identified as Zakir Hussain Shakshaz, Arshid Ahmad Itoo, and Bilal Ahmad.
The Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC) expressed deep concern over the self-immolation attempt the following day. They called upon the government to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and take strict legal action against those responsible. The aim is to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. EJAC President Fayaz Ahmad Shabnam strongly condemned the act and urged the government to implement necessary measures that would provide relief to employees and prevent them from being pushed to such extreme steps.
