Unemployed teachers, cops scuffle near Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann's house in Sangrur, six injured

Tribune News Service

Sangrur, July 10

There was tension near the local residence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today, as members of the Unemployed 646 PTI (2011) Teachers’ Union tried to break through the barricades and the police pushed them back.

Three protesters and as many police officials suffered injuries. The union has been demanding regular jobs for long. It said the recruitment process that started 12 years ago must be completed as soon as possible.

Gurlabh Singh, union president, said: “The police pushed us when we tried to reach the CM’s residence. Our three members, including a woman, have sustained injuries. They are under treatment at hospital. The union will not call off the protest till the government assures us jobs.”

The union members crossed the first barricade, but were stopped by the police there and then. The protesters are squatting around 200 m from the Mann’s residence.

The union said in the run-up to the Assembly poll, three of its members had protested atop a water tank in Mohali.

At that time, senior AAP leaders had assured the union of fulfilling its demand for job after the formation of their government. Even at the time of the recent Sangrur Lok Sabha bypoll, union members had ended their protest atop a water tank after an assurance from AAP representatives.

“In spite of repeated assurances, governments of the day have not given us appointment letters. Union members meet the educational qualification. Why not recruit us when thousands of posts of teacher are lying vacant?” the union president said, threatening to intensify the agitation if the government failed to fulfil the demand.

When contacted, Sadar police station SHO Prateek Jindal denied the use of force and said the police only prevented the unemployed teachers from reaching the CM’s residence.

Posts lying vacant

Union members meet the educational qualification. Why not recruit us when thousands of posts of teacher are lying vacant? — Gurlabh Singh, chief, unemployed teachers’ union

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