Dozens of laborers working on Z-morh tunnel being constructed near Sonamarg on Srinagar-Leh highway have stopped the construction work on the tunnel demanding permanent jobs in Construction Company.
They also expressed resentment over “disparity in wages”.According to reports, the local laborers have stopped the construction work on the tunnel and are not allowing the any work on the tunnel to commence for the last four days hampering work on the project that has already been marred by many delays.
“We are protesting against the construction company who at the time of starting the work had assured us that we will be absorbed in the company permanently, however they have not done so till now,” protesting laborers told.
They said that they are given Rs 235 per day which is very meager.
The protesting laborers said that they demand their permanent absorption in the construction company.
“We will not allow any work untill our demands are fulfilled. We have given our land for the construction purpose only after we got assurance that we will be absorbed permanently in the company,” the protesting laborers said.
Officials however said that the laborers are paid Rs 435 per day.
SDM Kangan, Ghulam Muhammad Mir said that the executing agency is providing reasonable wages to these laborers , adding that as per the private company (Apco Titan Company) undertaking the construction work of Z-morh tunnel they can’t absorb any one directly into the company “which has some rules and regulations to follow”.
Meanwhile sources said that the construction company is facing huge loss due the stoppage of the work.
“We are facing loses in lakhs per day due to the stoppage of the construction work,” an employee working with the construction company told.
He said that their machines and other employees including security staff is not allowed to work due to which they are facing immense problems.
He further said that there was no assurance from the company neither is there any logic to absorb the laborers directly in the company.
He added that the local laborers are paid good wages.
Speaking to us, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Showket Aijaz said that he had directed ACR Gandeebal and SDM Kangan to visit the area to sort out the issue between laborers and construction company.
“We have met the representatives of the both parties to sort out the issue so that the important project is not halted,” DC said.
DC further said that no one will be allowed to take law in his own hands.
