JAMMU (IIOJK): In the Jammu region of the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), various protests have erupted, reflecting the discontent among the residents against the perceived anti-people policies of the authorities. Activists affiliated with the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference gathered in Mankote to voice their demands, which included the restoration of democracy and a thorough investigation into alleged fund embezzlement in the region.
One of the major concerns highlighted during the protests is the expiration of the tenures of elected members, signaling a troubling decline in grassroots democracy. The lack of acceptance for the continuation of the District Development Councils system of Governance has been emphasized, raising questions about the democratic processes in the territory.
In addition to these concerns, residents of Arigatoo village registered their protest against a substantial hike in power bills, urging the authorities to roll back the additional tariffs. According to the residents, the monthly power bills have seen a significant increase over the past two years, causing financial strain on the community, particularly after the recent floods that added to their economic challenges.
Private schools in Jammu also joined the wave of protests, expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s decision to shift students from low-budget private schools to government institutions. The private school owners argued that this move is discriminatory and urged authorities to reconsider the decision on humanitarian grounds.
Meanwhile, Life Insurance Corporation employees in Jammu participated in a one-hour walk-out strike to draw attention to their long-pending demands. The employees stressed the need for prompt negotiations on wage revision, emphasizing that more than a year has passed, and the revision is still pending.
Another group adding its voice to the chorus of dissent is the Road Transport Corporation Volunteer Retired Employees Association, which strongly protested against the non-clearance of their pending dues. The association criticized the Finance Department and higher authorities of the Transport Department, accusing them of ignoring their long-standing demands.
