Pensioners threaten protest if CM Sukhu does not meet them

Disappointed with the state government for not paying the pensions of the first day of the ongoing month, Himachal Pradesh Pensioners’ Welfare Association here today warned of staging a massive protest against the government after Dasehra in which all the pensioners from across the state will participate.

While addressing a press conference, Aatma Ram, president, HP Pensioners’ Welfare Association said that they had been requesting the CM for an appointment with him in order to discuss their issues but had not been given permission.

“We now urge the CM to kindly give us the appointment of meeting within the next 10 days or else we will be forced to launch a mass movement against the government,” he said.

“If the CM continues to ignore our requests, then we will submit memorandums to all 39 Congress MLAs and if required we will gherao them and will also stage protests during their public events” he said.

“CM Sukhu and the state government keep on claiming that there is no financial crisis in the state and the financial condition of the state is good, then why are pensioners not being paid on the first day of the month and why the government has decided to pay the pensions on Oct 9,” he asked.

He further said that a meeting of all the district executive members of the Association would be held in Mandi where the future strategy will be formulated.

He also demanded the government to pay the pending DA and arrears, and the formation of the JCC as soon as possible.