PTC Web Desk: Tension were reported in Chandigarh on Wednesday after workers of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Punjab Youth Congress staged separate protests over the Punjab pharmacy examination controversy. Both groups attempted to march towards the Punjab Assembly but were stopped by the police, leading to clashes and the use of water cannons.

The demonstrations were organised over allegations that the handling of the pharmacy examination had affected the future of thousands of students. However, the Punjab government has maintained that the incident was not a paper leak but a case of organised high-tech cheating.

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ABVP workers had announced a march from the Sector-25 Rally Ground to the Punjab Assembly. Heavy police deployment was made on the route and barricades were placed to prevent the protesters from moving ahead.

When the demonstrators attempted to cross the barricades, the police used water cannons to disperse the crowd. A brief scuffle also broke out as protesters tried to push past the security barricades.

ABVP seeks Education Minister's resignation

During the protest, ABVP leaders alleged that irregularities in recruitment and competitive examinations have become a recurring issue in Punjab. They claimed that repeated controversies are damaging students' careers and accused the government of failing to ensure transparency.

The organisation also demanded the resignation of Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, holding the government accountable for the examination-related controversy.

Youth Congress workers also face police action

On the same day, Punjab Youth Congress workers gathered outside the Congress Bhawan in Sector 15 before attempting to march towards the Assembly. However, the police stopped the procession around 200 metre from the Congress Bhawan. As some protesters tried to move forward, water cannons were used to disperse the crowd. The police also carried out a mild lathi-charge to bring the situation under control.

Protesters worried over students' future

Leaders of both organisations alleged that the government's handling of examination-related issues has created uncertainty among students. They claimed that repeated controversies are affecting the careers of young aspirants and demanded strict accountability from the state government.

Govt rejects paper leak claims

The Punjab government has already clarified its stand on the issue in the Assembly. According to the government, the pharmacy examination paper was not leaked. Instead, officials described the incident as a case of high-tech cheating.

The government further stated that the accused involved in the malpractice were identified and arrested within about 15 minutes of the incident, asserting that swift action was taken against those responsible.