Pensioners protest in Jalandhar, submit demands to MLAs

In their continued effort to highlight their long-standing demands, a group of 11 pensioners, led by activists Jit Lal Gohalon, Karnail Singh Rahon, and Ajit Singh Barnala went on a hunger strike in front of the deputy commissioner’s office in Jalandhar.

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The protestors submitted memoranda addressed to the Chief Minister, Finance Minister, Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary of Finance. Those on fast included pensioners Karnail Singh Rahon, Jeet Lal Gohalon, Sohan Singh, Jasvir Moron, Joga Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Ram Pal, Ram Lal, Des Raj Bajjon, Rachpal Singh and Gurdial Singh. In their protest, the pensioners demanded a response to their issues, which they claimed had been pending for years.

During the protest, leaders such as Kuldeep Singh Durka, Joga Singh, Som Lal Takla, Rawal Singh, Harbhajan Singh Bhawra and Varinder Kumar emphasised the need to protect the country’s constitution, democracy, unity and integrity. They also reiterated the importance of addressing the long-delayed concerns of the pensioners.

Following the strike, the Punjab Employees and Pensioners Joint Front announced that memoranda would be submitted to local MLAs on the following dates: Sukhwinder Sukhi, MLA of Banga constituency, on February 8; Nachhattar Pal, MLA of Nawanshahr, on February 13; and Santosh Kataria, MLA of Balachaur, on February 18. The memorandums, which have been addressed to the Chief Minister, seek urgent attention to pensioners’ demands. The pensioners also encouraged full participation in the upcoming four-day protest in Chandigarh, coinciding with the state’s budget session. Key figures in the movement, such as Avtar Singh, Prince Ishwar Chandra, Charanjit, Ajit Singh, Tarsem Lal, and others were also present.