In Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, contractors associated with the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department staged a protest at the Chief Engineer’s Complex in Rajbagh , demanding immediate release of pending payments. According to Kashmir Media Service, scores of contractors assembled at the complex and raised slogans against delays in clearing dues despite the completion of several projects under rural water supply scheme.

The protesters said non-payment of bills for several months had pushed many into financial distress, affecting their ability to continue operations, repay bank loans and support labourers. “We are unable to pay bank installments and even manage essential household expenses, including our children’s school fees,” said Nazir Ahmad, a representative of the Contractors Coordination Committee. The contractors urged immediate release of payments. They warned that failure to resolve the issue could affect the ongoing implementation of works.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)