Speaking against "systematic and routine" violation of labour laws in Jammu and Kashmir, CPI(M) today said the exploited workers in the state were left with little recourse, with the government imposing curbs on peaceful public protests.
"It is ironic that in a place like J-K, where efforts are on to strengthen participatory democracy, the state is repressing channels of disagreement," CPI(M) state secretary and MLA MY Tarigami told workers of the Chenani Nashiri tunnel project in Ramban district today.
He alleged that the government was trying to monitor workers' protests and was using repressive means to stifle dissent, which have become a routine in J-K.
"Poor workers are recruited only after they sign an affidavit with unreasonable conditions.
"When they protest against violation of rights, they are terminated without being served any notice," Tarigami said.
"What adds to their pathetic condition is, they have no social security," he said.
Referring to rampant irregularities in the industrial belts of Srinagar as also in Samba and Bari Brahmana, Tarigami said there is an urgent need to check violation of the Contract Labour Act.
CITU general secretary Om Prakash, who also addressed the rally, called upon companies to give priority to locals in recruitments and demanded compensation for the people whose dwellings have been damaged due to blasting in the area for tunnelling work.
