PTC Web Desk:  A scheduled meeting between Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and protesting government employees in Jalandhar on Thursday turned into a tense standoff after the proposed talks were called off, triggering a confrontation between employees and the police.

The employees had gathered in large numbers as part of the ‘Maha Hartal’ announced by government employee unions. Their key demands include payment of pending Dearness Allowance (DA) instalments and restoration of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS).

Employees gather at DC office

Government employees from different departments took mass casual leave and assembled at the Deputy Commissioner’s office complex in Jalandhar.

A 16-member delegation representing the protesting unions was scheduled to meet Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann at PAP Chowk. While the representatives moved for the proposed meeting, other employees remained at the DC office waiting for the outcome of the talks. The meeting was expected to begin around 1 pm.

CM’s statement changes situation

The situation took a turn shortly before the scheduled meeting when Chief Minister Mann posted that talks and a strike could not take place at the same time.

The unions took the statement as a condition that they first withdraw the ‘Maha Hartal’ before any discussions could take place. With thousands of employees already gathered, the move led to growing anger among union leaders and protesters.

President of the Government Teachers' Employees Union subsequently announced that employees would block BMC Chowk until the Chief Minister agreed to meet their representatives.

Employees try to march out

Tensions increased as protesters inside the DC office complex began raising slogans against the government and attempted to move towards the main road.

Police personnel quickly barricaded the main gates and deployed police buses and anti-riot vehicles to prevent the protesters from leaving the premises. Additional forces were also brought in as the number of employees continued to swell.

Some protesters climbed over the boundary walls and attempted to leave through other exits. However, the police stopped the advancing group around 50 metres from the DC office.

CM shifted from PAP chowk

Amid the escalating situation, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was moved from PAP Chowk to his residence in Old Baradari. The move prevented a direct face-off between the CM and the protesting employees. The confrontation at the site continued for around half an hour.

According to the police, phones belonging to several union leaders, including Joint Action Committee convener Gurnam Singh Virk, were taken into custody while the protesters were being managed.

Talks deferred till next week

Deputy Commissioner of Police Manpreet Dhillon said the Chief Minister had conveyed that the meeting with the employees had been deferred until next week.

However, the employee representatives remained at the PAP complex, waiting for an opportunity to meet the Chief Minister. The unions had also declined to hold discussions with Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema or Finance Secretary officials.

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