Police uses force on protestors in Srinagar

Police used batons and water canons here Saturday to disperse agitating government employees to stop them from marching to Raj Bhawan.

Scores of state government employees were agitating for regularisation of daily wagers and ad hoc employees, removal of pay anomalies and enhancement of the retirement age from 58 years to 60 years to bring it at par with that of central government employees.

They had announced a protest rally at Raj Bhawan Saturday to mount pressure on the state government for implementing their demands.

Employees' leaders said many of their colleagues sustained injuries because of police action.

"The state government has been harassing us. They have been promising to recruit 80,000 unemployed youths, but there is no forward movement. Agreements made with us are biting dust for want of formal orders, which are being delayed without any reason. Our struggle for implementation of promises made to us will continue," said Fayaz Ahmad, vice president of the Employees' Joint Action Committee.