Early Times Report
Rajouri , July 4: Continuing their indefinite strike, the casual laborers working in Kalakote coal mines alleged that the criminal silence of government has been compelling them to start fast unto death. According to press release, 10 casual laborers identified as Baldev Singh, Ramesh Chander, Parveen Singh, Jagdev Singh, Gopal Sharma, Gafoor, Mulkh Raj, KH Sigh, Ashok Kumar and Krishan Singh have entered the coal mine at Moghla and started fast unto death. The laborers are being assisted by another 20 casual laborers about 3 kilometers inside the coal mine, which could prove fatal for them, sources said.
These laborers have been demanding regularization of their services, enhancement of daily wage from Rs 150 to Rs 300, friendly working conditions/atmosphere etc.
The protesters said that they would not budge an inch and would not make any compromise on their demands, as they have been made fool in the past by the authorities after hollow promises.
Abid Suhail , Managing Director (MD) J&K Minerals Limited said that the proposal of their demands , including enhancement of daily wages from Rs150 (present) to Rs 200 , list of the casual laborers as demanded by the state government for regularization of their services have already been forwarded to the concerned Ministry for consideration and necessary action.
He added that it would take some time for the government to take decision on these recommendations as it was a policy matter and government has to consider the demands taking in consideration several rules and regulations.
Advocate Vinod Kumar, BJP leader from Kalakot, who is supporting the indefinite strike, said that the casual laborers who have been working under inhospitable conditions deserved, what they were demanding.
Hemant Kumar Sharma, deputy commissioner said that the senior civil and police officials including magistrate have been camping at Moghala to meet any untoward incident following hunger strike by the casual laborers inside the coal mine. |
