Srinagar, March 14: The valley based contractors, who have been on indefinite strike since February 27, today locked down the office of Chief Engineer, Roads and Buildings (R&B) at Rajbagh as a mark of protest against delay in releasing their pending bills.
The protesting contractors, whose strike entered into sixteenth day, assembled at R&B office at Rajbagh here and locked down its main gate to restrict the entry of employees and officers.
They alleged that the government with intension to divert funds to other regions of the state has withheld huge amount worth 750 crores meant for work done.
Talking to reporters President Central Contractors Coordination Committee (CCCC), Farooq Ahmad Dar said that the government had left them with no other option than to lock down the office in protest.
“We have burrowed loans from the banks, mortgaged our properties to complete the allotted works. However, the government despite being aware of our plight didn’t bother to release pending bills,” Dar added.
He said the Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti few days back had assured that bills will be released in three days but her assurance proved out to be hoax.
“They actually wanted us to call of the strike which is impossible, we are ready to call of the strike provided CM gives something in writting,” he said.
“We shall be even ready to receive phase wise payment, but let the government come up with some concrete policy as mere statements and assurances won’t make any difference. We have twenty five years of experience hence nothing will change by these assurances,” said Dar.
