Srinagar, July 18: Kashmir’s brick makers Wednesday ended the weeklong strike following their crucial meeting with Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather, sources said.
 A spokesman of Kashmir Brick Makers’ Association while confirming the development said Rather assured them that “our concerns will be appreciated during the rate fixation for the bricks.”
 President of the Association Zahoor Ahmad Malik said, “We are thankful to the Government especially the finance minister and the district administrations of Budgam, Pulwama and Islamabad (Anantnag).”
 Malik said the government would soon issue the fresh price list. “Till then one truckload comprising 3000 bricks would sell within city limits at Rs 16000 excluding carriage,” Malik added.
 Earlier the breakthrough eluded during the brick makers’ meeting with Divisional Commissioner Asghar Samoon. The administration has already set up a panel comprising deputy commissioners of Budgam, Islamabad (Anantnag) and Pulwama to work out the “reasonable” price for the bricks, which has seen phenomenal demand in past few years.
 Deputy Commissioner Islamabad (Anantnag), F A Shah, who is part of the panel for price fixation, said, “I hope the matter will be sorted out in a week’s time. Brick makers need to cooperate but they come up with their own analysis.”

Lastupdate on : Wed, 18 Jul 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 18 Jul 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 19 Jul 2012 00:00:00 IST