Chandigarh: Tension flared outside the residence of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Sunday as unemployed youth clashed with police while attempting to march towards the Chief Minister’s official residence to press for their pending demands.
The protesters, led by the Beruzgar Sanjha Morcha, tried to breach police barricades but were stopped by heavy security deployment near the entrance to the residential colony. The confrontation resulted in repeated pushing and shoving between demonstrators and police personnel.
Amid sweltering weather conditions, Raman Malout, a state leader of the Beruzgar Sanjha Morcha, fainted during the protest. Two women police personnel also reportedly fell ill due to the heat.
After being prevented from proceeding towards the Chief Minister’s residence on two occasions, the protesters staged a sit-in on the road and raised slogans against the Punjab government.
The protest was joined by unemployed youth from various districts of Punjab, along with members of the Jal Supply and Sanitation Social Employees Union, who had gathered at the Verka Milk Plant before taking out the march.
The Beruzgar Sanjha Morcha said its indefinite statewide protest has been continuing for the past seven months outside Deputy Commissioners’ offices, demanding government jobs and the fulfilment of long-pending commitments.
Police maintained strict security throughout the protest and prevented the marchers from advancing towards the Chief Minister’s residence.
