Srinagar, March 11 (KNS) : Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference President and Handwara MLA Sajad Lone on Tuesday expressed deep concern over an ongoing protest by contractors of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department in Handwara, who have been demonstrating for two consecutive days over the non-release of long-pending dues dating to 2019.
Lone described the situation as emblematic of a deeper administrative failure as the contractors claim that payments have remained withheld for over five years, driving many into acute financial distress.
"These contractors have been suffering for years. Every new Executive Engineer arrives with a new narrative, but the reality on the ground remains unchanged," he said.
PC President disclosed that during a departmental review meeting held some months ago, he had put forward a viable mechanism for settling the outstanding liabilities, a proposal that was initially accepted by the officers present.
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He expressed strong displeasure that the same understanding was subsequently reversed. "They backtracked later, leaving the contractors in the same uncertainty and distress," he said.
Furthermore, He had also raised the matter in the Assembly to underscore its urgency and to press for justice for contractors who had executed government works in good faith.
Appealing for swift intervention, Lone urged Jal Shakti Minister Javed Ahmed Rana to personally examine the matter and if necessary, convene a meeting between the concerned officers and the protesting contractors. "I would strongly recommend such an engagement so that a fair and immediate resolution can be reached," he added. (KNS)