Srinagar, July 26: Quarry holders Sunday appealed government to consider the ban imposed on quarrying operations at Athwajan, and Panthachowk areas of Srinagar once again and allow them to resume their business.
The United Quarry Association President Showkat Bhat in a statement to news agency KNT said that when government has no problem with outside companies then why it is barring locals to earn their livelihood.
“Since 2016, when ban was imposed by the government, thousands of people associated with the business are idle and living from hand to mouth. Nobody cares for them and even government which has a duty to provide job to jobless didn’t listen to them. This is sheer injustice,” he said.
He asked government to resolve their issue without any delay.
“The quarry holders should be allowed to work in their respective quarries at Athwajan and Panthachowk while ban imposed by the government should be revoked. We are starving and our children are suffering. The government ban has rendered us jobless,” Bhat said.
He said before issuing ban order, the government didn’t take quarry holders into confidence given the fact they pay taxes in the form of Royalty towards Geology and Mining Department and in return get permission for extraction of stones for sale.
Bhat appealed government to revoke the ban imposed on quarrying operations. He said workforce associated with this business should be compensated and rehabilitated. (KNT)
