Asking state employees to give up their stir and come forward for a dialogue, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said his government was committed to pay the arrears as demanded by them.
"Leaving strike culture aside and without placing the sword of lock-outs, you should come and engage the government in finding out a way to settle the issue in a conducive atmosphere," Abdullah said on the last day of current budget session in Legislative Assembly.
He said the door for dialogue was always open for them.
About 4.5 lakh government and PSU employees in Jammu and Kashmir are on strike from April 3 demanding arrears of their revised salaries and raising of retirement age from 58 years to 60 years.
Dismissing speculation about rifts in the ruling NC-Congress coalition following walkouts and dissent by MLAs in the House, Abdullah said, "Ventilation of genuine aspirations for public good in a democratic and parliamentary atmosphere does not mean any difference or cracks in the coalition functioning but it vindicates the freedom our members enjoy to highlight public issues."
Abdullah said that during the sittings no bill, demand for grants or budget were passed without discussion and ample time was given to members to speak.
{{/usCountry}}Abdullah said that during the sittings no bill, demand for grants or budget were passed without discussion and ample time was given to members to speak.
{{/usCountry}}"This also speaks of the seriousness of the government", he said.
The Chief Minister expressed dismay over opposition PDP opposition remaining absent from the House during the motion of thanks on the Governor's address.