J&K Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara, Sajad Lone, visited the office of the Chief Engineer PHE early this morning to stand with protesting Kashmiri contractors demanding the release of their long-pending payments.
Expressing solidarity, Lone condemned the government’s indifference, criticizing officials for ignoring the financial distress of those who have tirelessly executed public projects.
“The fact that Kashmiri contractors are forced to stage an overnight sit-in outside the Chief Engineer PHE’s office for their rightful dues exposes the government’s deep-rooted apathy. Their priorities clearly lie elsewhere,” Lone stated.
He rebuked officials for their inaction, calling out their insensitivity. “The government is in a shameless slumber. Not a single official had the courtesy to visit them while they spent the entire night outside the PHE office,” he said.
Taking aim at politicians who once sought votes, Lone remarked, “Those who once begged for votes are now busy distributing shawls instead of addressing the genuine concerns of the people who placed their trust in them.”
He urged the government to act without delay. “This is not charity; this is their hard-earned money. Their grievances must be resolved immediately. I stand firmly with them in their just cause, no matter what,” he concluded.
