PHE Daily Wagers’ protest march halted by police in Jammu

jj correspondent
Jammu, Mar 10: In a dramatic turn of events on Monday, Jammu Police successfully prevented a march by protesting Public Health Engineering (PHE) daily wagers who were en route to the Civil Secretariat to voice their grievances. The workers were protesting against the Jammu and Kashmir government’s recent budget, which they believe fails to address their longstanding demands for better wages and job security.
Frustrated by years of neglect, the PHE daily wagers, led by the PHE Employees Union, have issued an ultimatum to the government. They have announced plans for a three-day strike beginning March 20, threatening to disrupt water supply across the region if their concerns are not addressed. The workers have made it clear that the government will be held accountable for any resulting hardships.
The protesters, chanting slogans such as “Stop Exploitation,” gathered in large numbers at KC Chowk before attempting to march toward the Civil Secretariat. However, their progress was blocked by a heavy police presence, which had set up barricades and concertina wires to prevent the protesters from advancing further. With their path obstructed, the workers were forced to stage a sit-in at the site.
The protestors’ decision to take action stems from their growing frustration with the government’s continued failure to meet their demands despite repeated pleas. The daily wagers, who play an essential role in the region’s public health infrastructure, argue that their hard work has gone largely unrecognized, and they deserve fair compensation and job security.
The standoff at KC Chowk highlights the rising tension between the workers and the administration. As the protest continues, the workers remain resolute in their demands, while the government faces increasing pressure to address the concerns of this critical workforce.
With the threat of a strike looming, the coming days could see further disruptions unless the authorities act swiftly to resolve the issue. The fate of the region’s water supply hangs in the balance, and the government will likely be forced to engage with the workers to avoid a larger crisis.