Srinagar, June 16: The All Migrant Employees Association Kashmir (AMEAK) has expressed strong resentment over the repeated statements issued by certain GKPD leaders regarding PM Package Employees during their recent heritage tour of the Valley. AMEAK stated that these remarks were not only far removed from ground realities but were also misleading and insensitive to the concerns of the employees.
In a statement issued here, AMEAK president Rubon Saproo said that the Association had neither any interest nor disinterest in the event itself. However, when package employees are repeatedly referred to in public speeches and statements, it becomes imperative that those making such remarks possess complete and accurate information about the package and its employees before commenting on their issues.
AMEAK particularly took exception to the statement that “our package employees are amanat to you till we return,” terming it inappropriate and disrespectful to the dignity of the employees. The Association said such remarks create an impression that the fate of package employees can be entrusted to others and decided without their participation, which is unacceptable.
The association also expressed disappointment that the diaspora leadership neither adequately highlighted nor conveyed to the corridors of power the immense sacrifices made by package employees, particularly the tragic killings of two package employees who lost their lives in broad daylight while performing their duties. The Association said it had expected the visiting leadership to pay homage by visiting the Tehsil office at Chadoora and Higher Secondary in Srinagar, where these brutal incidents took place, and to raise these concerns forcefully before the authorities. AMEAK maintained that whatever little progress and achievements have been secured under the Prime Minister’s Package have largely been the result of the sacrifices, struggles, and perseverance of the package employees themselves, and these sacrifices must never be forgotten or overlooked.
AMEAK further questioned the prolonged silence of sections of the KP diaspora leadership during the nearly 300-day-long protest of package employees in 2022. The association stated that during this difficult period, employees remained on the roads, enduring immense hardships, uncertainty, harassment, and personal sacrifices while seeking justice and the fulfillment of their genuine demands. Despite these challenges, no significant voice of support or solidarity emerged from the diaspora leadership. AMEAK emphasized that if conferences, conclaves, or similar gatherings are being organized in Kashmir today, it is possible only because of those package employees who had been appointed in 2010, despite facing injustice, insecurity, and administrative neglect, continued to serve in the Valley and upheld their professional responsibilities under extremely challenging circumstances.
The Association maintained that no individual or organization has the authority to speak on behalf of the entire package employee community without first taking all sections of the employees into confidence. AMEAK emphasized that the package employees are fully capable of representing their own concerns and aspirations and do not require self-appointed representatives to speak on their behalf.
AMEAK leadership categorically rejected any statement, note, or commitment made by any individual or organization regarding package employees without proper consultation with all stakeholders. The Association reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the interests, dignity, and rights of package employees and urged all concerned to refrain from making uninformed or unilateral statements on their behalf.
Issued by publicity secretary AMEAK
Veenit Raina
78893 39832
