Jammu, August 18: Jal Shakti contractors staged a protest against the Jal Shakti Department, demanding the immediate release of their long-pending payments and redressal of issues related to works executed under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).

Carrying placards highlighting their demands, the protesting contractors said that payments for completed works have remained pending for a long time, causing financial difficulties for contractors and affecting their ability to continue operations.

The contractors urged the department and the concerned authorities to clear the pending bills at the earliest and address their grievances related to JJM works.

They also called for timely processing of future payments and resolution of pending departmental issues. The protesters appealed to the government to intervene and ensure that legitimate dues are released without further delay.