Various social and religious organisations in Jalandhar have intensified their protest against the Punjab Government over the alleged lathicharge on sanitation workers in Barnala, warning that the agitation will escalate if strict action is not taken against the police officials involved.
Disappointment over the lathi charge
Addressing the media, representatives of the organisations demanded the registration of an FIR and legal action against the police officer allegedly responsible for the July 22 incident. They expressed disappointment over what they described as the government's inaction despite several days having passed since the alleged assault on sanitation workers.
Will Jalandhar shutdown?
The organisations announced that Jalandhar will not observe a separate bandh on July 30, clarifying reports circulating on social media and through some groups. Instead, they said, the city would witness a large-scale protest demonstration against the state government.
Inconvenience to the public
According to the organisers, Jalandhar had already extended its support to the statewide agitation by observing a shutdown on July 27. They maintained that another bandh would unnecessarily inconvenience the public and local businesses. Rather than calling for another closure, they said all social and religious organisations would unite for a peaceful but strong protest aimed at drawing the government's attention to the issue.
Government’s failure
The protesters alleged that despite widespread outrage, the government has failed to take decisive action against the officials accused of using excessive force during the Barnala incident. They claimed that the concerned Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) has neither been suspended nor has an FIR been registered against the officer.
Intensification of the protest
Calling the incident a matter of justice and accountability, the organisations warned that the protest movement would intensify if the government continued to delay action. They said the upcoming demonstration would serve as a message to the administration that public anger over the incident has not subsided.
Decisive phase of the agitation
Leaders also declared that the agitation has now entered a decisive phase, stating that repeated appeals have failed to produce results. They maintained that the movement would continue until those responsible are held accountable through legal action.
The Barnala lathicharge has sparked protests in several parts of Punjab, with sanitation workers' unions and civil society organisations demanding an independent inquiry and action against the police personnel involved. The planned demonstration in Jalandhar is expected to add further pressure on the Punjab Government as the issue continues to gain political and public attention.
