Saroori voices concern over sanitation crisis in Kishtwar, extends solidarity with striking workers

• Demands regularization and salary hike for sanitation workers; urges government for immediate intervention 

KISHTWAR: Senior Congress leader and former minister G.M. Saroori expressed deep concern over the worsening sanitation crisis in Kishtwar due to the prolonged strike of sanitation workers. During his visit, he met with the striking employees, extended solidarity, and urged the government to resolve their legitimate demands without delay.Senior Congress leader and former minister G.M. Saroori today visited the striking sanitation workers in Kishtwar and demanded justice for them from the government. He expressed alarm over the grave sanitation crisis caused by the ongoing strike and termed it a serious threat to public health.

Saroori appealed to the concerned authorities to take urgent and non-political steps to improve the state of sanitation and drainage in the town.Saroori pointed out that filth and garbage had accumulated around mosques, temples, markets, streets, and drains, posing a severe risk of disease, especially to the poor and vulnerable population. He said he had raised this matter directly with the Deputy Commissioner and made it clear that waste and squalor in public places present a major hazard to human health. “This is not a political issue—it is a matter of people's lives.

A sanitation worker cannot survive on a meagre wage of just ₹9,000 in today’s times,” Saroori emphasized.He appealed to the Lieutenant Governor, the Chief Minister, and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to take personal interest in the matter and initiate immediate steps to regularize the workers and raise their wages.Saroori stated that entire neighborhoods in Kishtwar were reeling under this crisis and that neutral and prompt intervention was the need of the hour. He assured that the Congress party is fully committed to addressing public issues and would closely monitor the government’s response.

“The entire Congress cadre and the people of Kishtwar stand with the sanitation workers,” Saroori said, “and we demand the government's immediate attention to this health crisis and the workers’ grievances.”Earlier, Saroori also toured several areas in Jakyas and Kahara of Doda district, where he interacted with local public delegations and listened to their problems.

He assured them that the Congress is the only party truly standing with the people and will always support them in their struggle. He further said, “Congress is the only solution to the people's problems. It is a secular party, and we must strengthen it further in Jammu and Kashmir to ensure proper representation and redressal of public grievances.”Mr. Saroori was accompanied by Ex MC Vice Chairman Firdous Ahmed Mingnoo, Abdul Wahid, Irshad Ahmed Saroori, Irshad Ahmed Shah, Irfan Ahmed Shah and others.