Punjab labourers protest outside CM Bhagwant Mann's residence in Sangrur

Police allegedly lathi-charged labourers protesting outside Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s residence in Sangrur district on Wednesday. A senior police official, however, said the police did not use force against the protesters, according to a PTI report.

Hundreds of labourers, under the banner of Sanjha Mazdoor Morcha, were protesting against the AAP government in support of various demands including seeking five marla plots for poor Dalits, representation of labourers in village cooperative societies and allotment of one-third of panchayat land to Dalits.

The Sanjha Mazdoor Morcha ended its protest after the district administration assured its representatives of a meeting with the chief minister on December 21.

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Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union president Zora Singh Nasrali said police lathi-charged protesters when they were trying to move towards Mann’s residence in Dreamland Colony on Patiala road. Sangrur Senior Superintendent of Police Surendra Lamba, however, denied the use of force by police against the protesters.

Protesters turn aggressive

Some protesters turned aggressive and tried to scuffle with policemen but the situation was handled, he said. Heavy police force was deployed and barricades were put up by police near Mann’s residence.

Protesters owing allegiance to various labour unions including Punjab Khet Mazdoor Union, Dehati Mazdoor Sabha, Mazdoor Mukti Morcha, Pendu Mazdoor Union and Krantikari Pendu Mazdoor Union took part in the protest. 

With agency inputs