J-K police baton-charge protesting government employees

SRINAGAR - The Jammu and Kashmir Police had to baton-charge the employees of the state government on Saturday, who were protesting against the imposition of the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA).

The employees were protesting against the imposition of ESMA to counter their agitation for payment of arrears.

The State Government imposed the ESMA after the government employees continued their strike demanding pay and perquisites at par with the Central Government’s sixth Pay Commission recommendations.

Srinagar witnessed chaos on Saturday as the police personnel deployed in large numbers foiled the attempt of the protestors to disturb law and order.

They used mild baton charge and water cannons to disperse the agitated employees, and detained all the lady government employees taking part in the protests.

At least 20 employees were reportedly injured in the clash with the police.

“We gathered here to protest against the imposition of Essential Services Maintenance Act. The police headed by the SSP (Senior Superintendent of Police) beat us with batons and many amongst us got injured,” said Reyaz Ahmad, an injured employee.

“They have been admitted to hospital. Today, we are raising our voices against the high handedness of government and we also want our money,” he added.espite fresh offer of talks from Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the government employees continued their strike, saying the proposal was only verbal and that they did not receive any written confirmation.

The protestors shouted slogans against Omar Abdullah.

Despite a strict warning issued to the government employees from the State Government that they would lose their salary of they did not return to their jobs, they abstained from their esignated work for the sixth consecutive day. (ANI)