Peaceful Protest by Wuyan-Khrew Stone Quarry Association Against Mineral Extraction Ban
Srinagar, July 25, 2024 – The Wuyan-Khrew Stone Quarry Association, alongside members from Ladhoo, Mondekhpal Awantipora, and neighboring regions, conducted a peaceful sit-in today to protest the comprehensive ban on stone quarry operations. This demonstration underscored the escalating unemployment crisis resulting from the ban, garnering robust support from prominent socio-political activists such as Syed Basharat Hussain Moosa and Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bhat, who fervently advocated for the affected families.
Addressing the gathered crowd and media, Syed Basharat and Dr. Bilal Ahmad highlighted the severe economic repercussions of the ban. “This issue impacts not just thousands, but hundreds of thousands of individuals whose livelihoods have been abruptly halted due to the cessation of stone quarry operations,” they emphasized, drawing attention to the profound impact on the local economy and community welfare.
The activists stressed the government’s responsibility to protect its citizens, posing critical questions: “If these individuals are left jobless, who will feed their families? Why push them to the brink? They are not asking for charity but for the right to earn a dignified living.”
Syed Basharat and Dr. Bilal Ahmad passionately appealed to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for immediate intervention. “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 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 highlights 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.