Employees continues strike, in Kashmir

Srinagar, Apr 10: Employees' strike in the Kashmir valley continued for the sixth day today, affecting functioning of government offices, hospitals and educational institutions. However, the Out Patient Department (OPD) in SMHS and other hospitals, associated with Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar, were functioning under unprecedented security arrangements, while government-run ration depots remained closed. The Employees Joint Consultative Committee (EJCC) and Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC), spearheading the agitation, had called for the strike till April 13, despite warnings of ''no work no wages'' and invoking of Essential Service Maintenance Service(ESMA) by the State government. They are demanding payment of arrears under Sixth Pay Commission, increase in the retirement age from 58 years to 60 years and regularisation of daily wagers and contractuals in the state among other things.The employees unions have threatened to intensify their agitation if government failed to accept their demands and also did not revoke ESMA. They also demanded immediate release of their leaders, arrested in Kashmir valley and Jammu region. However, the state government had ruled out any change in their stand, saying arrears could not be paid without assistance from the Centre and increase in the retirement age would further complicate the unemployment problem in the state. Nevertheless, work in all government offices remained paralysed due to the strike. Ration depots of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CA&PD) remained closed, though Fair Price shops of the CA&PD were open at some places, providing rice and flour to consumers. Educational institutions also bore the brunt of the strike as colleges and other government-run institutions remained shut. Fortunately, OPD and emergency wards in hospitals in Srinagar were found to be functioning, which was a great relief for the people.A KMW correspondent, who visited SMHS hospital today, saw senior and junior doctors attending patients in the OPD amid heavy security, comprising hospital security, personnel and state police. (KMW)