Undeterred by Government’s decision to invoke Essential Services Maintenance Act(ESMA) , striking employees in Jammu and Kashmir State yesterday extended their strike up to April 13. The strike by the state Government employees has totally paralysed work in all the government offices, health and educational institutions and public sector undertakings across the State for the 4th consecutive day today. <br/><br/>The decision by the Government to invoke ESMA has brought all the employee unions together with Gazetted and KAS officers also extending full support to the ongoing agitation of the employees. More than 4.5 lakh State Government employees are demanding payment of arrears according to the recommendation of the 6th Pay Commission and enhancement of retirement age from 58 to 60 years.