The newly formed Third Front in Jammu and Kashmir -- Awami Muttahida Mahaz (AMM) -- today criticised the state government for allegedly using force and "undemocratic" methods to quell the protests by striking workers at Chenani-Nashri tunnel project.
Addressing a rally of workers at Chenani, the AMM leaders comprising of CPI (M) state secretary Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami and Samajwadi Party state president Shiekh Abdul Rehman demanded the immediate release of the arrested labourers and resolution of their issues.
Last week, at least 49 people including 14 cops were injured after police resorted to baton charge at workers to quell their protest to demand reinstatement of ten employees at Chenani project site in Udhampur district.
Over 30 workers were arrested following the incident.
Condemning the police crackdown on the workers protest, Tarigami said the right to peaceful protests was being stifled and this will only encourage the emergence of autocratic and violent forces in the society.
Tarigami further said that the workers had been denied basic statuary facilities and were also being subjected to "unlawful victimisation" in terms of rampant dismissal whenever they protest.
He demanded immediate release of workers who have been detained by police in "false and frivolous" cases.
