Senior Congress leader Hardial Kambhoj and former ADGP Gurinder Singh Dhillon, also a senior Patiala-based Congress leader, visited Rajindra Hospital in Patiala on Saturday to meet six young protesters injured during the police action on Friday. The leaders condemned the use of force against peacefully protesting unemployed youth.
Congress Leaders Condemn Police Action
In a joint statement, the Congress leaders highlighted that approximately 2,600 job seekers are directly affected by this issue. They described the protesters as qualified, eligible young people who have worked hard and prepared for employment opportunities. The leaders said, 'They are among the victims of what appears to be an unnecessary and unwarranted use of force by the Patiala Police against protesting job seekers.'
Kambhoj added, 'I also visited the dharna site outside the PSPCL gate and personally heard the grievances and demands of the protesting youth. Young men from different parts of Punjab have gathered there to voice their concerns peacefully. Their demands are genuine and deserve the government's immediate attention.'
Call for Dialogue Over Force
Dhillon emphasized that in a democratic society, dialogue and engagement must always take precedence over force. 'The government should address the concerns of the youth through meaningful discussion rather than coercive measures,' he said. Despite their injuries and hardships, he found the young protesters 'remarkably resilient and determined.'
Background of the Clash
The clash occurred on Friday when the police resorted to a cane-charge to disperse apprentice linemen protesting outside the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) headquarters. The union members, who have been protesting for the past two months to demand regular appointments by the power utility, had locked both gates of the headquarters for over four hours.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from political leaders and civil society, who are calling for an impartial inquiry into the police action and immediate steps to address the demands of the unemployed youth.
