Srinagar, July 25, 2024 – The Wuyan-Khrew Stone Quarry Association, along with members from Ladhoo, Mondekhpal Awantipora, and surrounding areas, organized a peaceful sit-in today to protest the blanket ban on stone quarry operations. The demonstration brought significant attention to the issue of rising unemployment caused by the ban and garnered support from prominent socio-political activists Syed Basharat Hussain Moosa and Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat, who fervently advocated for the affected families.
In their addresses to the gathered crowd and the media, Syed Basharat and Dr. Bilal Ahmad highlighted the severe economic repercussions of the ban. “It’s not just thousands but lakhs of individuals whose livelihoods are intertwined with the stone quarry operations that have been halted,” they stated, emphasizing the extensive impact on the local economy and community well-being.
The activists stressed the government’s duty to protect and support its citizens, posing critical questions: “If these individuals are rendered unemployed, who will take responsibility for feeding their families? Why push them to the brink? They are not asking for charity but simply seeking the right to earn a dignified living.”
Syed Basharat and Dr. Bilal Ahmad made an impassioned appeal to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, calling for immediate intervention to resolve the crisis. “We earnestly request our Lt. Governor to address this long-standing issue and allow these people to return to their ancestral work. This is vital for them to support their families and maintain their dignity in society,” they pleaded.
The peaceful protest underscored the urgent need for action and highlighted the deep frustration and desperation within the community. The blanket ban on mineral extraction has disrupted countless lives, leaving many families struggling to make ends meet.
The sit-in served as a stark reminder of the crucial role 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 enable them to resume their work and restore their livelihoods.
This demonstration underscores the broader implications of the ban and the necessity for a balanced approach that considers both environmental concerns and the economic needs of the local population. The community’s plea is clear: a call for a solution that allows them to work and live with dignity.