The government ban on geniune strikes and protests of employees is arbitrary and at the same time shameful and unacceptable. This was stated by Mohammad Rafique Rather, Spokesperson of Jk Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a statement issued from Srinagar today. The former President of J&K Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC) and Ex-Chairman of J&K Teachers Forum, Mohd Rafique Rather has said that “I vehemently condemn the arbitrary ban on peaceful strikes and protests of employees in favour of their geniune demands”
Rafique Rather lashed out at the government for its recent order prohibiting employees to hold peaceful protests and strikes in favour of their genuine demands and said that, government is hiding behind quoted articles to humiliate, harrass and intimidate employees leaders so that they would not raise their voice concerning employees issues.which he,said is affront to very essence of democracy and added that the order not only stifles the voice of employees but also tramples upon their fundamental rights.
Rafique Rather in an impassioned appeal to in service and former veteran trade union leaders urged upon them to stand for unity and solidarity with employees who are performing their duties in extremely adverse and hostile working conditions. Emphasizing on the urgency of collective efforts and actions to preserve and protect the rights and dignity of these indispensable contributors to the nation’s progress, he said that JK employees feel harassed and humiliated by the government actions against them.
Rafique Rather said that such arbitrary orders are an attempts to muzzle the voices of the working class and reduce them to the status of slavery and bonded labourers. Questioning the government intentions He said that such dictatorial orders have no place in a democratic society and added that government ought to listen to the geniune and justified concerns of employees and resolve them amicably by holding meetings with employees leaders. Rather said that employees being part and parcel of the system are equally responsible for smooth functioning of day to day affairs of the government so that an efficient, transparent and accountable system is evolved . Urging upon the LG adminstration to immediately retract the order. Rather expressed hope that good sense prevails on those behind issuance of such orders by misleading the people helmand acceptable and just solution of geniune issues of employees is found amicablly at an earlest.
