Srinagar, September 10: Teachers Joint Action Committee (TJAC) President and senior trade union leader, Abdul Qayoom Wani today decided to continue indefinite ‘hunger strike’ to press for the demands of SSA and RMSA teachers.
Addressing media at Pratap Park, where Wani along with hundreds of SSA and RMSA teachers, is on indefinite hunger strike said that the government has no legal authority to deny seventh pay commission arrears to 40,000 teachers of Jammu and Kashmir.
“We have been here for the past six day and during this period held series of meetings with government representatives including advisor to Governor Khursheed Ganai. It seems the government is reluctant to implement seventh pay commission,” said Wani.
He said keeping in view the government’s poor response, TJAC has decided to continue hunger strike until the demands of SSA and RMSA teachers are met.
Wani also said that a mega protest march towards Governors residence will be taken out on 17th of September (Sunday).
“We give preference to student’s education than our demands; hence we have decided to organize a mega rally to Governor’s house on coming Sunday. 40,000 teachers have been on strike in both Jammu and Kashmir provinces who may intensify their protest according to the situation,” he added.
Wani who also heads Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC) said incase the government failed to fulfill the genuine demands of protesting teachers, they along with their families and students will hit the streets.
Lauding Advisor Ganai’s role, he said although he showed positive approach, however remained mute on seventh pay commission issue.
“I must say that ninety percent of teachers attend classes on regular basis for the reason we don’t want children to suffer. We have support of civil society groups, traders, journalists and common people and we hope they will continue their support,” Wani said.
