CPI(M) for dialogue with agitating JK govt employees

"The government should initiate a dialogue with employees instead of using force and repression," state secretary of CPI(M) M Y Tarigami said raising the issue during Zero Hour in the Legislative Assembly here.

The CPI(M) leader condemned the use of force against the government teachers yesterday.

"They (Government teachers) were peacefully highlighting their demands. Lathicharge on teaches, who are respectable in the society, is not good, and the government should initiate dialogue with the employees including teachers to redress their grievances," Tarigami said.

He also demanded release of two and a half days' pay incentive already sanctioned in favour of Power Development Department employees.

Over a dozen teachers were detained as police used water cannons to scuttle an attempt by the government employees to stage a demonstration outside Civil Secretariat here yesterday.

Joint Consultative Committee, an amalgam of various employees' organisation, announced fresh agitation early this week, accusing the government of resorting to delaying tactics to meet their demands.

JCC is demanding enhancement of retirement age from 58 to 60 years, removal of pay anomalies, regularisation of ad-hoc and daily wagers and payment of Sixth Pay Commission arrears.