Patiala, June 10
Tensions escalated at the ongoing protest by apprentice linemen in Bhaderpura village near Patiala after six protesters climbed a 220 KV electricity transmission tower demanding acceptance of their pending demands.
The protest site was shifted from the main gate of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) to Bhaderpura village after the district administration imposed restrictions on demonstrations within Patiala city from Thursday onwards.
Leaders of the 2600 Apprentice Union stated that six of their members had climbed the power tower during their protest. They said the demonstration would continue until their demands were accepted.
“Our six companions are protesting from atop the tower. Until our demands are fulfilled, we will continue this agitation,” union leaders said.
Earlier in the day, police reportedly removed tents that protesters were attempting to erect near the tower site. A large police contingent remained deployed in the area to maintain order.
The protest has also drawn political attention from both ruling and opposition parties. Punjab Congress president Raja Warring visited the protest site on Wednesday night, while Punjab BJP Mahila Morcha president Biba Jai Inder Kaur remained present with the apprentice linemen since Thursday morning.
Jai Inder Kaur criticised the conduct of the police, alleging that authorities should have intervened constructively to resolve the dispute instead of threatening the protesters.
“The police should have helped facilitate a solution for these linemen, but instead they again issued threats this morning. We strongly condemn the attitude of the police,” she said.
Congress leader Sandeep Singla also joined the protest in support of the apprentice linemen.
Meanwhile, senior BJP leader Varun Jindal from Patiala stated that the city BJP unit would provide langar services and other necessary facilities to the protesting apprentice linemen.
The protest by apprentice linemen has continued to gain momentum amid growing political backing and heightened police presence at the site.
