J&K Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Friday reacted to the ultimatum of protesting daily wagers, asking whether they would “carry out Operation Sindoor”.
The Deputy CM was responding to a question asked by media persons on the sidelines of the inaugural ceremony of the three-day Kashmir Expo 2026 at Zabarwan Park on Boulevard Road, Srinagar.
Reacting to the ultimatum issued by daily wagers that they would stop work if their services were not regularised, Choudhary questioned what the employees would achieve by resorting to a strike.
“What will they do? Will they carry out Operation Sindoor?” he told media persons here.
He appealed to striking daily wagers and other temporary workers to call off their agitation, saying that their demand for regularisation was legitimate and the government was considering a phased approach to the issue.
The Deputy Chief Minister said a committee headed by the Chief Secretary was examining the regularisation issue and the government was actively considering the matter.
“The possibility of regularising eligible daily wagers in phases was also being examined. So the government is thinking about these things and very soon you will see the result,” Choudhary said.
He appealed to the striking workers to remain engaged with the government instead of resorting to agitation, saying that they were an integral part of the administration and had a role in serving the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“I will appeal to the daily wagers that you are a part of this society. You are the pillars of our government. We all have to serve Jammu and Kashmir together, so don’t go for strikes,” he said.
Choudhary further said that the demand of the daily wagers was legitimate and said the Omar Abdullah-led government would address the issue.
“Your demand is legitimate, Omar Abdullah government will definitely regularise them,” he said.
On the controversy surrounding ‘Vande Mataram’, Choudhary said the song was associated with India’s freedom struggle and the sacrifices made by people during the fight for independence.
He said people from different communities and religions had participated in the freedom movement.
“The focus should not be on who sang the song, how long they sang it or in what manner,” he said.
He, however, refused to comment on the statement made by the Congress party. “I have not heard that statement or read it, but this song is the song of our martyrs. I do not want to comment on it further,” he added.
Choudhary described ‘Vande Mataram’ as an important symbol of the freedom struggle, saying people had marched for India’s freedom without distinctions of community or religion.
Earlier, he inaugurated the three-day Kashmir Expo 2026 at Zabarwan Park on Boulevard Road in Srinagar. The event is being organised by the J&K Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO) under the aegis of the Department of Industries and Commerce.
The expo is being held from September 11 to 13 under the theme, “Celebration of Craft, Culture & Cuisine – Showcasing Rich Kashmir’s Heritage by Empowering Golden Hands & Talent.”
The expo brings together artisans, craftsmen, weavers, entrepreneurs, businesses and other stakeholders, providing them a platform to showcase handicrafts, handloom products, traditional crafts, local produce, cuisine and contemporary products.
Speaking at the inauguration, Choudhary said the expo would help provide greater visibility and market access to artisans, entrepreneurs and local enterprises.
He said the initiative was aimed at connecting local talent and products with wider markets while creating opportunities for artisans and businesses to expand.
He said the event would also enable participating businesses and artisans to interact with visitors, gain market exposure and explore new business opportunities.
“JKTPO has been working to promote trade, commerce, investment and exports from Jammu and Kashmir by facilitating market linkages and providing platforms for local enterprises to connect with buyers and business stakeholders,” he added.
He said the organisation was also the nodal agency for initiatives including One District One Product (ODOP) promotion, trade fairs and exhibitions, buyer-seller meets, district export promotion initiatives and digital market linkages.
