Muzaffarabad (Azadi Times): Even during the blessed month of Ramadan, newspaper vendors, who are the backbone of the newspaper industry, struggle to obtain government flour to feed their children.
They lament the disparity, questioning why government aid seems reserved for the affluent while neglecting the needs of the poor. Despite complaints to Prime Minister Azad Kashmir and futile attempts to engage the Secretary of Food, the issue remains unresolved.
The Distribution and Food Control Department’s (DFC) efforts appear limited to mere photo sessions, failing to address the pressing issue of government flour scarcity.
In response to the dire situation, newspaper vendors staged a protest, criticizing the government and the food department for their indifference. Speaking to the media, representatives of the newspaper vendor union voiced frustration, highlighting that government flour appears to be reserved solely for the privileged few. Despite repeated appeals and communication with the DFC in Muzaffarabad, their pleas seem to fall on deaf ears.
Newspaper vendors play a vital role in ensuring newspapers reach doorsteps and offices promptly, regardless of weather conditions. Yet, they lament being neglected and treated unfairly by the state.
They call upon the Azad Kashmir government to take immediate action to address the plight of newspaper vendors in Muzaffarabad division and across the entire state. Failing intervention, they threaten to escalate their protest to a statewide campaign.