Srinagar, Nov 6 – CPI(M) leader and former MLA M Yousuf Tarigami led a protest demonstration in Srinagar against the “privatization” of electricity, railways, and public transport.
The protestors, led by the CPI(M) leader, assembled near the Press Enclave on Residency Road with banners, shouting slogans against the authorities for privatization of electricity, railways, Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs), public transport, and the installation of Smart meters in households.
Protestors alleged that such moves will only compound and aggravate problems already faced by the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Tarigami spoke to media persons, expressing concern about the privatization of public transport and its direct impact on the pockets of common people through increased fares. He accused the Government of India of selling railways to private companies, calling it unacceptable.
Furthermore, he highlighted a bill in Parliament aimed at privatizing the electricity department, stating it would affect Kashmir’s water resources, which generate electricity. Tarigami demanded that electricity produced by the water resources of J&K be prioritized for the people.
He also criticized the installation of Smart meters, alleging they were implemented without providing electricity to the people in Jammu and Kashmir.
Tarigami emphasized that J&K, now a Union Territory, had lost its state status and expressed disappointment over unfulfilled promises, particularly regarding the rights of casual laborers and daily wagers.
The former MLA criticized a recent government order restricting government employees from participating in protest strikes, describing it as an attempt to intimidate the workforce. He highlighted historical instances of employee protests during British rule for genuine demands. Tarigami called for addressing the concerns of casual laborers and daily wagers in Jammu and Kashmir.
