Cops lathicharge ETT teachers in Patiala

Tribune News Service

Patiala, June 25

The police resorted to mild lathicharge on ETT teachers near YPS roundabout when they tried to force their way towards the Chief Minister’s residence today afternoon. The YPS roundabout is 100 metres away from the CM residence. Several teachers were injured during the lathicharge.

The police also detained some protesters, who were later released. Teachers said the government didn’t give them appointment letters even after six months of their selection. Teachers claimed that as the government had already cancelled two scheduled meetings in the past, therefore, they were left with no other option, but to hold protest.

Jagdeep Singh, a protesting teacher, said, “We have already been selected, but the government is not giving appointment letters. We were holding a peaceful protest. However, the police cane charged us. We will intensify our protest in the coming days.”

Meanwhile, Yogesh Sharma, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said they had been holding talks with protesters since the morning. However, teachers refused to hold meeting with officials concerned. Despite assurance of meeting, they pressed for the protest march and disrupted the smooth flow of traffic at the Fountain roundabout, the DSP added. Protesters pushed policemen on duty despite their requests to remain peaceful, the DSP said.

The police had to resort to mild lathicharge to disperse protesters after receiving orders from the duty magistrate, the DSP added.

It has been learnt that the matter regarding recruitment of ETT teacher on 2,364 posts was subjudice.