Punjab Transport Grinds to a Halt as Worker Protest Erupts in Violence
A large-scale demonstration by contractual employees of Punjab's state transport services escalated into a severe and violent confrontation on Friday. The protest, which was organized to oppose the new Kilometre Scheme tender process, brought public transportation across Punjab to a complete standstill.
Chaos Erupts in Dhuri as Police Attempt to Disperse Crowd
The situation turned particularly chaotic in the town of Dhuri, located in the Sangrur district. Police forces arrived at the scene to disperse the agitating workers, some of whom had climbed onto the tops of buses. According to official accounts, a group of protesters carrying bottles filled with petrol began splashing the fuel on the policemen who were trying to bring them down.
Amid the ensuing commotion, a shocking incident unfolded. The uniform of Dhuri's Station House Officer (SHO), Jasvir Singh, caught fire. Disturbing video clips from the scene captured the panic as fellow officers rushed to extinguish the flames engulfing their colleague.
Aftermath: Injuries, Arrests, and Stranded Commuters
Police authorities confirmed that SHO Jasvir Singh sustained minor burn injuries from the horrific event. He was provided immediate medical attention and swiftly transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, in response to the escalating unrest, law enforcement officials detained several union leaders involved in the agitation.
The widespread protest had a crippling effect on the state's mobility. With more than 3,000 buses of Punjab Roadways, Punbus, and the Pepsu Road Transport Corporation (PRTC) taken off the roads, countless daily commuters were left stranded at bus stands and on highways, facing immense inconvenience.
The controversial Kilometre Scheme, against which the employees are protesting, remains the central point of contention, highlighting the deep-seated issues faced by contractual workers in the state's transport sector.
