Police Justifies Force Against Protesting Linemen in Patiala Amid Political Backlash
Patiala linemen booked, force used as protesters blocked gates: Police
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
Patiala police defended their use of force against protesting apprentice linemen outside the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited headquarters, claiming they blocked access for employees. The incident, which resulted in over 20 injuries, has sparked widespread condemnation from political leaders and unions demanding accountability.
- 01Patiala police used force against apprentice linemen protesting for recruitment preference, resulting in over 20 injuries.
- 02The police registered an FIR against the protesters for wrongful confinement and rioting after they allegedly blocked entry and exit gates.
- 03Political leaders across party lines condemned the police action, calling it a violation of human rights.
- 04The Punjab government was in discussions with protesters, but the situation escalated when they refused to clear the gates.
- 05Vikramjit Singh Sahney of the Central Apprenticeship Council offered alternative employment opportunities for the linemen.
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Following a police lathicharge on protesting apprentice linemen outside the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) headquarters, Patiala police justified their actions, stating the protesters obstructed employee access. The clash left over 20 individuals injured and triggered a political uproar, with opposition parties and unions demanding accountability. The linemen had been protesting for five days, seeking priority in recruitment after PSPCL announced new positions without requiring apprenticeship training. Police claimed they attempted to negotiate with protesters, but the situation escalated when demonstrators blocked the gates, stranding employees, including a pregnant woman. Political leaders from various parties condemned the police's use of force, calling it a human rights violation. Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and BJP Mahila Morcha president Jai Inder Kaur visited the injured and demanded action against the police. Meanwhile, Vikramjit Singh Sahney expressed support for the linemen's demands and offered to help find alternative job placements for them.
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The police's use of force against the linemen has raised concerns about the right to protest and the treatment of workers, impacting local sentiments and political dynamics.
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