Jammu, In a display of collective discontent, oil tanker drivers and cleaners in the Jammu region of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir have staged a protest against the non-conduct of union elections and broader political grievances. The demonstrators, rallying for their right to conduct union elections and expressing solidarity with the political rights of the Kashmiri people, have issued a stark warning to authorities about suspending supplies if their demands remain unaddressed.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the protest, orchestrated by Paramjit Singh, saw a significant turnout of tanker drivers and cleaners at the Narwal Oil Depot in Jammu. Participants aired frustrations over the ongoing delays in union election processes, despite judicial intervention urging local authorities to proceed with the elections as per union norms. Accusations were made against the Tehsildar of employing delay tactics, hindering the election process mandated by the court’s direction to the Deputy Commissioner of Jammu.

The tanker drivers have set a deadline, threatening to cease oil supply operations within four days if their demands for timely and fair union elections are not met. This protest underlines the larger context of dissatisfaction and unrest within occupied Jammu and Kashmir over political rights and governance issues.

Resuming their duties after more than an hour of protest, the drivers and cleaners have made it clear that their return to work does not signify a retreat from their demands. The potential suspension of oil supplies by these drivers could significantly impact the region’s economy, which heavily depends on these essential services for transportation and other critical needs.

The incident highlights the mounting pressure on the Indian government to address both the specific grievances of the tanker drivers and the broader political and economic concerns of the people in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.