Consumers appeal authorities to take necessary steps
Protests against National Food Security Act (NFSA) refuse to die down as people in Kashmir Valley Friday rallied against Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CA&PD) department in north as well as in central Kashmir, demanding its rollback.
Hundreds of people in Kangan staged protest demonstration demanding NFSA revocation.
Terming the NFSA as an anti-people act, the protesters from various areas after Friday prayers assembled at Main Chowk Kangan in Ganderbal district and held a protest demonstration against the NFSA implementation, demanding its roll back.
“We want immediate revocation of this Act. An individual consumes 10-15 kgs rice per month. Under NFSA, the authorities have announced 5 Kg per person,” said protestors. The protesters later dispersed peacefully.
Protests were also witnessed in Lolab area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district. The protesters blocked the main road of the area and demanded NFSA rollback. “We have been forced to come on roads. The authorities should look into the matter and redress our genuine demands as soon as possible,” they said.
Qalamabad, Manzpora, Shirhama and Adoora villages of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district also staged protests against NFSA implementation and urged the government to take immediate measures.
The protesters blocked the roads and were raising slogans like ‘we want justice’. “Authorities should immediately rollback the law as it has proved anti-public. If they are serious in providing benefits then they should take necessary steps for the welfare of general public,” they said.
In Khaag and Khansahib area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district also people also took to streets and raised slogans against CA&PD department.
The locals alleged that the department has failed to provide benefits to them. “The tall claims of authorities that NFSA is beneficial for the locals have fallen flat as so far the government is trying to kill us by not providing adequate ration,” they said.
NFSA implemented in J&K on February 15, this year, guarantees five kilograms of rice per person per month. A day after the act was implemented Kashmir Valley continues to witness protests, demanding its rollback.
