Jammu Kashmir state employees on a two-day strike

Srinagar, Feb 10 (ANI): The Jammu and Kashmir state employees went on a two-day strike from Tuesday to demand implementation of the sixth pay panel report and enhancement of the retirement age to 60 from 58 years.

Ignoring state Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather's appeal not to strike as the Government has agreed in principal to implement the pay penal recommendations, employees of all government offices and public sector undertakings remained shut on Tuesday across Jammu and Kashmir.

"We are mobilising resources to meet the extra burden on the state exchequer in the wake of implementation of the pay panel report. A team of officers of the state government was engaged in negotiations with the Centre in this regard," Rather said.

He expressed regret on the confrontational attitude of employees.

Earlier on January 24, the state employees had observed a one-day strike on the same demands.

It is likely that the employees would intensify their protests if the government fails to concede to their demands.

However, considering the government's assurances to act on the matter, Kashmir Administrative Service (KAS) Officers Association did not participate in the strike. (ANI)