Employees still on strike, section 144 in Srinagar

Srinagar: Over four lakh employees of the Jammu and Kashmir government remained on a three-day “Kaam Chhod Hartal” from September 6, despite the authorities imposing restriction under section 144 CrPC to scuttle the ” Lal Chowk” chalo call given by the Employees Joint Consultative Committee (EJCC) today.
Last minute efforts by the government yesterday to reach to any agreement with the EJCC failed to yield any result as the employees remained adamant.
The EJCC has called for a Kaam Chhod Hartal in support of their demands, including payment of sixth pay commission arrears, regularisation of daily wagers and contractuals who have completed seven years in service and increase in the retirement age from 58 years to 60 years.
The government offices, including the headquarters of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CA&PD), Power Development Department (PDD), Water Works Department (WWD) remained locked.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had said the platform of interaction was available for the government employees, who are on a three-day strike from today in support of their demands.
He said that the conflicting approach is in no way a healthy step to get grievances redressed and find out solution to the issues.