Wani Touseef

Srinagar, August 18 (KNC): PHE contractors on Tuesday locked offices of several divisions across the Kashmir Valley, escalating their protest over the alleged non-payment of long-pending dues for works executed under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).

The protest was held under the banner of the J&K PHE Contractors Coordination Committee (J&K PHCCC), with contractors demanding the immediate release of pending JJM payments and resolution of various outstanding issues affecting their work.

A protest poster displayed outside the PHE Division Sopore highlighted several demands, including the release of pending bills, security deposits and retention money, besides addressing other issues faced by contractors.

The protesting contractors alleged that prolonged delays in the clearance of payments have placed them under severe financial pressure and adversely affected their ability to continue ongoing works under the JJM.

They demanded the immediate resumption of JJM payments, stating that timely clearance of dues is essential for the smooth execution of water-supply projects and completion of works within stipulated timelines.

The locking of PHE division offices at multiple locations across Kashmir marks a significant escalation in the contractors’ agitation, as they pressed the authorities to intervene and settle their pending financial claims at the earliest.

The contractors have urged the concerned authorities to take immediate measures for clearance of their outstanding payments and address their other demands to prevent further disruption of JJM-related works.

Further developments are awaited.(KNC)