The protests against National Food Security Act (NFSA) seem to have no end as consumer in the Valley Friday rallied against Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CA&PD) department in north as well as in central Kashmir, demanding its rollback.

As soon as the Friday congregation ended in central Jamia Masjid at Kangan, the consumers assembled outside the Masjid and took out a protest march against NFSA. The protesters while calling NFSA as “anti-public law” demanded its rollback.

The angry consumers of CA&PD staged a sit-in at Kangan Chowk and were chanting slogans against the Act as well as the department.

Locals informed media that the angry consumers said that the only way to stop the continuous protests against department is to revoke the law. “The government is deliberately targeting rice eaters by using such kind of tactics. The protests against the department will continue till the recently implemented MFSA law will not be revoked,” the angry protesters said.

The protesters after blocking the road for more than 15 minutes dispersed peacefully, a local said.

Meanwhile, protest against NFSA was also held at Lolab area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district. The protesters blocked the main road of the area and were demanding its rollback. “We have been forced to come on roads. The authorities should look into the matter and redress our genuine demands as soon as possible,” they said.

Qalamabad, Manzpora, Shirhama and Adoora villages of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district also staged demo against the same and asked higher ups to take immediate action against the recently implemented NFSA act in the state.

The protesters also blocked the roads and were chanting slogans like ‘we want justice’. “Authorities should immediately rollback the law as it has been proved anti-public law. If they are serious in providing benefits then they should take necessary step in this regard for the welfare of general public,” they said.

In Khaag and Khansahib area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district, the consumers also took to streets and raised slogans against CA&PD department.

The locals alleged that the department has failed to provide benefits to them. “The tall claims of authorities that the NFSA is beneficial for the locals has fallen ill on the ground as so far it seems that the government is trying to kill us by not providing an adequate ration,” they said.

The protesters later dispersed peacefully.

The law was implemented in J&K on February 15, this year, guarantees five Kg rice per person for a month. A day after the act was implemented; the Valley continues to witness protests, demanding its rollback.(Agencies)