MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The daily wage labourers crisis rises in Muzaffarabad as they are struggling to survive as inflation and the shutdown of construction work have left them without jobs, food, or rent money ahead of Ramadan.
Recently, in Muzaffarabad, the crush plants were sealed in compliance with the Supreme Court of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) order.
Daily wage workers in Chatter Chowk Muzaffarabad struggle to survive during Ramadan because they have no work no food and no way to afford rent payments. Rising inflation had previously removed their basic requirements then the closure of crush plants and construction sites created a life-threatening situation.
A group of daily wage workers at Chatter Chowk declared this current situation as the worst they have dealt with throughout the past four decades. According to one of the working class labourers they have been living in Muzaffarabad for forty years yet this current crisis never existed. The worker who spoke expressed total hopelessness by explaining that without employment he could not pay rent or return home because he lacked money to travel.
Workers face an entirely new challenge because they cannot afford their city accommodations while simultaneously lacking funds to return home. Their situation has deteriorated to a point where many workers remain trapped. The current situation compels many workers to survive by accepting food distribution and charity services. The increasing prices of vital goods make available aid harder to obtain.
The current economic decline together with inflation hits the working class extremely hard particularly the people who are paid daily. The shutdown of construction sites and associated businesses cut off their earnings so they must now struggle to support themselves and their families.
These workers face anxiety for Ramadan even though it should be a period of unity because their uncertain situations create fear about their ability to survive this month.
Amid escalating economic burdens, the Muzaffarabad daily wage labourers remain in suspended anticipation for assistance that can assist them through these tough times.
