Police use mild force as ASHA workers’ protest turns violent

Tribune News Service

Patiala, October 18 

Protest by members of the Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) Workers Union, Punjab, who were demanding pay hike and other services, turned violent here today. The police had to use mild force when they tried to cross the barricade, which was put up to prevent them from going near the Chief Minister, Captain Amarinder Singh’s house.

Around 300 protesters outnumbered the police personnel and tried to cross barricades. Things went out of control when some ASHA workers, led by their union president Kirandeep Kaur Panjola, tried to cross the barricade. Some how protesters were stopped for a while, but a huge tussle broke out as they tried to cross the barricade from another side again. In fact, a protester Lakhvir Kaur and Inspector Pushpa Devi exchanged blows with each other. The Inspector received minor bruises on her hand and body during the scuffle.

In another brawl at the same place two women officers were pinned down by protesters, who were then rescued by senior officers. The police resorted to a mild cane charge on those, who crossed the barricade and forced them to go back.

The situation calmed down after a written assurance of a meeting with Health Minister Brahm Mohindra was given by the Tehsildar to protesters. 

Earlier in the afternoon, hundred of ASHA workers took out a protest march from bus stand to Polo Ground. The protesting workers had planned to take the march up to the CM’s residence, but they were stopped near Polo Ground by the police force. 

Highlighting grievances of ASHA workers, ASHA Workers Union president Kirandeep Kaur said, “ASHA workers work for at least seven to eight hours daily, but are considered as voluntary health activists and not paid even minimum wages. We demand that our pay should be fixed on the same pattern adopted by neighbouring states.”

Another protester Lakhvir Kaur, who was injured in the scuffle, said, “It is an unfortunate incident as the Patiala Police manhandled protesters. Male police personnel were deployed to check protesters, which is a serious violation.”