The implementation of National Food Security Act sparked protests in central Kashmir’s Srinagar and Ganderbal district. Protests were held at Abi Guzar and Barbar Shah areas of capital city while a large number of people mostly women blocked the road in Kangan demanding the revocation of what they termed as ‘anti-people’ Act.The mess has been created by the much hyped NSFA. We demand its immediate revocation. This Act is good for states like Uttar Pradesh or Bihar as majority of the consumers in these states live Below Poverty Line (BPL) while in Jammu and Kashmir more than 70 per cent population fall under the category of Above Poverty Line (APL). This Act will force people to buy ration from markets on higher rates. It would lead to inflation and besides 3kg ration for a family member is not enough,” a protester told CNS.
Protesters at Barbar Shah blocked the road and burnt the tyres expressing resentment over the implementation of NFSA. In Kangan the protesters assembled near the ration ghat and raised slogans against the CAPD and the government. The protesters forced the storekeeper to close the ration depot and urged people not get the ration as per the new quota.The protesters marched towards the Tehsil office Kangan where ADC kangan met the protesters and assured that he will take up the issue with higher ups. Pertinently, Valley had rocked with protests against this implementation of this Act last year forcing the then Minister for CAPD to declare in public that this Act was brought to State by the then Omar Abdullah led National Conference-Congress government. (CNS)