Police used water cannons and tear gas shells to disperse protesting employees and labour union members attempting to march toward the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Friday. The demonstrators had gathered in Mohali and planned a gherao of the Assembly to press their demands but were stopped by security forces near Burail Jail, where barricades had been set up to prevent them from entering Chandigarh.

Tensions escalated when protesters attempted to push past the barricades, prompting police to deploy water cannons and fire tear gas shells to disperse the crowd. During the resulting commotion, at least five to six women and eight to ten other protesters reportedly sustained injuries. The injured individuals were attended to by fellow demonstrators and local authorities at the protest site.

The protest was organised by several employee and labour unions representing government and contract workers from across Punjab. Participants included members of the Government Teacher Union, Punjab CCSF, Mid-Day Meal Workers Union, and Anganwadi Workers Union. A significant number of temporary staff from different departments had also joined the protest, highlighting widespread discontent among contractual employees.

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Among the demonstrators were around 127 Anganwadi workers along with several contractual teachers who were recruited years ago but remain without permanent employment status. Protesters said they were marching to demand regularisation of services, better job security, and improved working conditions. Many participants argued that despite years of service in government programmes, their employment status remains uncertain.

Authorities had deployed a large police contingent in anticipation of the march, citing security concerns and the need to maintain order around the assembly complex. Officials said the barricades were put in place to prevent the crowd from reaching the assembly area during the ongoing legislative proceedings.

The confrontation underscores the growing frustration among contractual and temporary government workers in Punjab, many of whom have been staging demonstrations in recent years seeking permanent employment and improved benefits. Union leaders indicated that further protests could be organised if their demands are not addressed by the state government in the coming weeks.

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