Police Use Water Cannons to Disperse Protesting Punjab Government Employees

Police in Chandigarh deployed water cannons against Punjab government employees protesting for demands like DA arrears and Old Pension Scheme implementation. The protest aimed at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's residence was stopped at the Mohali-Chandigarh border. Amid heavy police presence, critics accused the government of ignoring employees' grievances.

On Sunday, police in Chandigarh deployed water cannons to scatter Punjab government employees who were marching toward Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's residence to urge for their demands to be met. The protesters had gathered at the Mohali-Chandigarh border but were stopped by barricades.

The demonstrators, who included teachers and electricity department staff, sought the resolution of dearness allowance arrears, enactment of the Old Pension Scheme, and regularization of contractual workers. Despite earlier notifications from the government, the Old Pension Scheme has yet to be implemented, leading to increased frustration.

Punjab Congress leader Amrinder Singh Raja Warring criticized the current administration for its lack of action and accused them of not paying heed to the workers' demands. He also stated that there is growing unhappiness and frustration among government employees.

The protesters have vowed to escalate their actions if their demands remain unmet. The heavy police deployment highlights the tension between the protesting employees and the AAP government, with critics demanding dialogue instead of suppression.