Quarry owners, tipper drivers, contractors, and laborers on Wednesday staged a peaceful protest in Baramulla, urging the government to lift the ban on royalty payments that has left hundreds of families without a livelihood.
The protesters carried placards and raised slogans, saying the ongoing restrictions have completely paralyzed their income sources. They appealed directly to Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene and resolve the issue without further delay.
During the demonstration, the workers made it clear that if their voices continue to be ignored, they would have no choice but to launch a hunger strike. Later, while addressing a joint press conference, representatives of the protest said that unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles have pushed them to the edge, taking away their right to survive. “We are not asking for any government compensation. We are only demanding our basic right—the right to livelihood. No constitution allows anyone to snatch that away,” they said.
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The protestors further explained that long-standing arrangements between quarry owners and local workers have been broken due to the ban, leaving both sides in deep distress. For many families that depended entirely on quarrying, survival has now become uncertain.
“This is not an issue of law and order. We are simply asking for permission to transport loose material. Earlier, the Chief Minister had assured us action on this matter, and we are still waiting for that assurance to be fulfilled,” they added.
Strongly criticizing the current ruling dispensation, they accused the so-called “dual engine government” of failing to protect the interests of common people. “If the Chief Minister or Ministers cannot help us, then they should step down. We cannot keep waiting endlessly with empty promises,” the protesters said, warning of tougher steps if their demands are not met soon. —(KNO)
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