Jammu and Kashmir government employees go on strike, warns of intensifying agitation

JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir government employees today began their two-day strike amid protest demonstrations against the coalition regime for its failure to fulfill their demands, including increase in retirement age among others.

The employees under the banner of Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) today held a protest demonstration in front of Divisional Commissioner's office here and raised slogans against the government for its failure to meet their pending demands.

They warned the state government to take decision on their demands at the earliest, failing which they will intensify their agitation.

"If the government fails to implement the agreement inked with the employees on September 15, 2011, JCC will intensify the agitation and government will be forced to take a decision on our demands," senior JCC leader, Mohammad Gafoor Dar, told reporters here.

He said that all government offices will observe complete shutdown tomorrow also.

"The employees in Jammu will observe complete strike in their offices tomorrow and the employees of Kashmir division will assemble at Sher-i-Kashmir Park in Srinagar and held protest there," he said.

JCC, which represents over 4.5 lakh state employees, is demanding enhancement in the retirement age from 58 to 60 years, regularisation of daily wagers, adhoc and contractual appointees working in different government departments, besides removal of pay anomaly.