Early Times Report
Udhampur, Nov 14: Tensions escalated in Udhampur on Wednesday night when KAS officer Rajinder Kumar Digra, the newly appointed Additional CEO of the Municipal Council Udhampur, attempted to organize a limited cleanup operation despite an ongoing strike by sanitation workers. The strike, which has now entered its 12th day, has resulted in a severe accumulation of garbage across the city, causing significant inconvenience to residents.
Digra’s attempt to address the mounting garbage was met with strong resistance from sanitation workers, who arrived at the scene and refused to cooperate with the cleanup operation. The standoff further intensified the ongoing strike, which has paralyzed sanitation services in Udhampur.
On Thursday, Ravi Randhawa, the State President of the Sanitation Workers’ Union, joined the protest in Udhampur. He condemned the CEO’s actions, stating, “Any attempt to clean the city during our strike will not be tolerated.” Randhawa emphasized that the strike would continue until Chief Minister Omar Abdullah personally intervenes and provides concrete assurances to the workers.
In defense of his actions, CEO Rajinder Kumar Digra explained that after conducting a city inspection, he observed garbage piling up at various locations, which was particularly problematic for residents, including students attending evening classes.
He stated, “If ensuring cleanliness in the city is considered a crime, then yes, I committed that crime.” Digra authorized a limited cleanup effort in areas most affected by the waste while reiterating that the administration was working to resolve the strike.
The ongoing sanitation workers’ strike is part of a larger protest throughout Jammu and Kashmir, excluding municipal corporations, over long-standing demands that have not been fully addressed. The union claims that past assurances from the government have not led to any concrete action. This time, the workers are firm in their resolve, insisting that they will not return to work until they receive a direct com mitment from the Chief Minister.
The strike’s impact has become increasingly apparent as garbage piles up in streets, markets, and residential areas, creating serious public health risks. With cases of dengue and other infections on the rise, local healthcare workers have expressed concern over the growing threat of disease outbreaks. Several districts across the region have reported an uptick in illness, and hospitals are seeing more patients with conditions linked to unsanitary living conditions.
Experts and residents alike are urging the government to intervene quickly to resolve the strike. Without immediate action, the situation could worsen, leading to a larger public health crisis in Udhampur and throughout Jammu and Kashmir. |
