Srinagar, February 16, 2026 : A large number of daily wagers and contractual employees on Monday staged a protest march in Srinagar, pressing for the regularisation of their services in the Jammu and Kashmir government.
The protesters marched from the Nawa-i-Subah complex to TRC Crossing, raising forceful slogans in support of their long-pending demand. The demonstration was organised under the banner of the Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC).
Carrying placards reading “Nothing short of regularisation in service will be acceptable,” the employees accused the government of delaying justice despite repeated assurances. Addressing the gathering, protesters urged the Omar Abdullah-led government to “wake up” and honour the promises made to thousands of workers.
Notably, the EJAC had held a similar protest on February 12, indicating growing frustration among employees over what they describe as prolonged neglect of their legitimate demands.
According to employee representatives, over 60,000 daily wagers have been working across Jammu and Kashmir for many years without job security, regular pay scales, or service benefits—making regularisation a matter of survival rather than privilege.
The protesters warned that if their demands continue to be ignored, the agitation would be intensified in the coming days.
