Report of Kamgar Ekta Committee (KEC)
In Jammu & Kashmir, working people organized several strike demonstrations on 12 February despite living in some of the most repressive conditions. Hundreds of electricity workers, kisans, youth, social activists, health workers joined the protests, and a large number of women participated.
Jammu & Kashmir Coordination Committee of Trade Unions (JKCCTU) organized protests at various places in the union territory. Daily wagers in public sector and government departments also protested, with children joining some demonstrations.
Workers demanded the repeal of the four labour codes, withdrawal of the Electricity Amendment Bill 2025, restoration of Old Pension Scheme, regularisation of temporary workers, filling of vacancies, as well as full restoration of democratic, trade union, and labour rights in J&K. Demonstrations and rallies were held near Press Club, Bemina power complex in Srinagar, Shopian, Anantnag and other places.
Electricity workers strongly opposed power sector privatisation, the Electricity Amendment Bill, and the draft National Electricity Policy 2026. Demonstrations were held at many offices and circles by the Jammu & Kashmir Power Employees and Engineers Coordination Committee (JKPEECC), on the call of All India Power Engineers Federation (AIPEF) and the National Coordination Committee of Electricity Employees and Engineers (NCCOEEE).
JKPEECC leaders pointed out that the government is allowing multiple licensing in power distribution and tariff-based competitive bidding in power generation and transmission. Such privatisation will severely harm the interests of consumers. Addressing the demonstration, vice chairman of AIPEF Pirzada Hidayatullah said that J&K should not be treated as a “laboratory for failed privatization experiments.”
