Srinagar, July 25, 2024 – The Stone Quarry Association members from Wuyan-Khrew, Ladhoo, Mondekhpal Awantipora, and other regions staged a peaceful sit-in today, highlighting the urgent issue of unemployment resulting from the blanket ban on stone quarry operations. The sit-in drew significant attention and support from socio-political activists Syed Basharat Hussain Moosa and Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhathttp://www.bilalahmadbhat.com, who both advocated passionately for the affected households.
Addressing the gathering and the media, Syed Basharat and Dr. Bilal Ahmad underscored the severe repercussions of the ban. “Not thousands but lakhs of individuals depend on the employment generated through these stone quarries that have been stopped from operations,” they stated, painting a stark picture of the widespread impact on the local economy and livelihoods.
The activists emphasized the government’s responsibility to protect and support its citizens, questioning, “If these people here have been rendered unemployed, who should take responsibility for feeding their families? Why push them to the wall? They are not begging but requesting to be allowed to earn in a dignified manner.”
Syed Basharat and Dr. Bilal Ahmad made a heartfelt appeal to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, urging immediate intervention to resolve the ongoing issue. “We earnestly request our Lt. Governor to address this long-pending issue by allowing them to return to their ancestral work. This is crucial for them to provide for their families and maintain their dignity in society,” they pleaded.
The peaceful protest highlighted not only the immediate need for action but also the deep-seated frustration and desperation within the community. The blanket ban on mineral extraction has disrupted countless lives, with many families struggling to make ends meet.
The sit-in served as a powerful reminder of the vital role these stone quarries play in the local economy, providing employment and sustenance to a significant portion of the population. As the protest continues, the call for government intervention grows louder, with affected families hoping for a swift resolution that will allow them to return to their work and restore their livelihoods.
