Jammu/Srinagar, Sep 6 (KNS): The UT-level Joint Coordination Committee of NHM Employees of Jammu and Kashmir has announced a 72-hour strike from September 9 over their long-pending demands, saying the government failed to provide a concrete response within the stipulated deadline.

The decision was taken during a virtual meeting of the committee held on September 5 and attended by representatives of NHM employees from Jammu and Kashmir divisions, including the RNTCP/NTEP Association and employees working under other schemes of the National Health Mission (NHM).

The committee had earlier issued a final ultimatum to the government and concerned authorities till September 5, seeking concrete measures to address their demands.

However, with the deadline expiring without what the committee termed a "concrete response or tangible action", it decided to go ahead with the 72-hour strike from September 9.

The strike will be observed across Jammu and Kashmir, with NHM employees at district, block and field levels expected to participate, the committee said.

Addressing a press conference, All JKNHMEA Jammu Division Chief Spokesperson Dr Hamid Parray said the employees had taken the decision only after repeated representations, discussions and appeals failed to yield a satisfactory resolution.

He said NHM employees had been working in the public healthcare system with dedication despite challenging circumstances.

Parray appealed to NHM employees, including those working under NTEP and other NHM schemes, to remain united, peaceful and disciplined during the strike.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

All JKNHMEA Jammu Division president Dr Vikas Sharma said the decision was not taken in haste but became necessary due to the continued non-resolution of their issues despite repeated representations and assurances.

Kashmir Division president Muneer Andrabi said NHM employees had repeatedly demonstrated patience and faith in dialogue, but the lack of concrete action had left them with no option but to resort to a collective democratic course of action.

UT President of NTEP J&K Musadiq Rafiq Parra said NTEP employees and those working under other NHM schemes stood firmly with the committee in support of their demands.

The committee appealed to district and block-level NHM units and employees across Jammu and Kashmir to extend full support to the strike and maintain peace and discipline.

It also urged employees to rely only on official communications and refrain from acting on unverified information, rumours or unofficial messages.

The committee maintained that the strike was a "last resort" and reiterated its willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue with the government for an amicable resolution of the issues.

"Our demands are genuine, our resolve is united, and our voice shall remain peaceful but firm," the committee said.(KNS)