Protests Erupt Across IIOJK Over Workers’ Rights, Illegal Mining, and Statehood Demands

As frustration grows over unaddressed grievances, protests in IIOJK are highlighting the struggles of casual workers, illegal mining issues, and the demand for the restoration of statehood.

In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), a group of casual workers from various government departments gathered in Srinagar at the Press Enclave, demanding the regularization of their services. The protesters, who have long been calling for job security and proper compensation, faced resistance from the police, who detained many of them in vehicles, preventing the protest from escalating.

One of the workers expressed the hardship they endure due to the lack of regularization and delayed salaries. “We have been suffering in the absence of regularization and salaries for years now. This is the time for the government to wake up and resolve our issues. No one wants to hit the streets daily, but we have no option when we cannot make ends meet and feed our families,” the worker said. This protest follows similar demonstrations, such as the one last month by the casual laborers of the Wildlife Department, who gathered outside Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s residence to demand their rights.

In a separate incident, residents from Kerrian Gandyal and Pandori in Jammu staged a protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Kathua, protesting the ongoing illegal mining activities in the Ravi and Ujh rivers. The protesters, including women, submitted a memorandum to the Additional Deputy Commissioner, demanding immediate action against the unregulated mining that is draining resources and causing significant financial losses to the region’s economy.

Meanwhile, in Jammu, the Yuva Rajput Sabha organized a rally to advocate for the restoration of statehood to IIOJK. Led by President Vikram Singh, the march began at the statue of Maharaja Hari Singh at Tawi Bridge and continued towards Bikram Chowk. Participants chanted slogans in support of statehood, and although the demonstration was peaceful, the group made it clear that they would intensify their protests if the Indian government failed to fulfill its promises regarding the restoration of statehood.

These protests reflect widespread discontent across the region, from workers fighting for their rights to communities combating environmental damage and demanding political change. As these voices grow louder, the government faces increasing pressure to address the mounting issues in IIOJK.