Patiala: Police resort to lathi charge on protesting apprentice linemen outside PSPCL headquarters

PTC Web Desk: Patiala witnessed tense scenes on Friday after the police intervened in an ongoing demonstration by apprentice linemen outside the headquarters of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), leading to the detention of several protesters.

Members of the 2600 Apprentice Linemen Union had been staging a sit-in outside the power utility's headquarters, demanding recruitment and implementation of assurances allegedly made by the authorities. The situation escalated when the police attempted to disperse the gathering, prompting allegations of excessive force from union representatives. They were also lathi-charged.

According to union leader Akash Kamboj, the protesters have successfully cleared the required technical examinations and have been awaiting recruitment for a considerable period. He claimed that the government had earlier assured them that they would become eligible for employment after qualifying a Punjabi language examination.

The union had earlier withdrawn its agitation after officials, citing directions from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, urged candidates to focus on preparing for the Punjabi language test. The protesters were reportedly assured that the examination schedule would be announced within a week.

However, the union alleged that the process was repeatedly delayed. Officials later cited municipal elections and the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct as reasons for postponement. Even after the restrictions were lifted, no decision was taken regarding their recruitment, the union claimed.

Union leaders further stated that multiple meetings with department officials failed to produce any concrete outcome. They alleged that the department eventually informed them that the candidates could not be accommodated within the organisation.

The protesters maintained that their demonstration had remained peaceful over the past five days. They claimed that sufficient space had been left open on the road to ensure the smooth movement of traffic, ambulances and emergency vehicles.

Following Friday's police action, the union accused security personnel of using force against demonstrators. The protesters also alleged that those taken into custody were threatened with legal action.

The union said many of its members had already completed six months of service within the department as apprentices and were now seeking employment opportunities based on their qualifications and training.

Warning of an intensified agitation, the protesters said their movement would continue until their demands are addressed by the government and the power utility authorities.