Srinagar: Former finance minister, Abdul Rahim Rather on Saturday asked the administration to resolve the issues of SSA teachers, who have been on indefinite hunger strike for the last seven days.
Around 41,000 SSA teachers and headmasters, working under RMSA, have been demanding implementation of the seventh pay commission and delinking of their salaries.
Rather said he visited them to express solidarity.
He said it was “unfortunate” that those who build society were on hunger strike.
“They have certain demands, that too genuine. They feel that their future is dark. Government might have some difficulties. I have myself remained in the government,” he said.
Asking government to initiate talks with them, he said even complicated issues could be resolved through negotiations.
“Government should seriously talk to them, discuss the issues threadbare and try to address them,” he said.
“Both sides should show sincerity. Once there is sincerity, there is every possibility that the issues will get resolved.”
He said resorting to “extreme steps” in a democratic setup was not good.
“Forcing teachers to go on hunger strike, using force against them should be avoided,” he said.
