Patwaris on Saturday deferred their indefinite strike for one month, after the government assured to fulfill their demands within the stipulated time.
Decision comes a day after representatives of All Jammu and Kashmir Patwar Association (AJKPA) hold Virtual meeting with the Commissioner Secretary Revenue, Piyush Singla and Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri.
Addressing a press conference here, AJKPA president Abdul Majeed Malla said the government sought one month time to fulfill their demands which include enhancement in Grade Pay of Patwaris from Rs 2400 to 2800, ban on direct recruitment of Naib Tehsildars, creation of Girdawar circles and rationalizing of Patwar halqas.
Malla said the strike has not been called off but deferred for one month and in case the government failed to fulfill their demands, they will begin strike afresh. He said many organizations supported their strike and pressed for the early redressal of their demands.
“We don’t want to confront the government, nor do we want people to suffer. We have decided to suspend our strike for one month as the government endorsed our demands and sought one month’s time to fulfill the same. In case our demands are not fulfilled, we will begin the strike afresh,” said Malla.
He said the AJKPA held online and offline meetings with the government during these eleven days, however the government did not budge, prompting them to adopt a ‘stubborn’ approach.
He said the government, after the last meeting, sought three month time to consider their demands and requested them to call off the strike for the larger interest of the public.
“We attended the virtual meeting with Commissioner Secretary Revenue, Piyush Singla who sought three months time to consider our demands, however we out rightly declined his offer and sought redressal of our demands within one month,” he added.
Malla said the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere while Div Com Kashmir and Commissioner Secretary Revenue gave patient hearing to them. He also extended gratitude to the people for facing problems on account of their eleven days strike.