Sanitation workers across Punjab staged widespread protests on Friday against the alleged police lathi-charge on Valmiki community sanitation employees in Barnala, who were protesting over their demands on Wednesday i.e. 22nd July. Responding to a call given by Valmiki community organisations and unions representing Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats, demonstrations were held across the state.
As part of the protest, demonstrators burned effigies of the Punjab Chief Minister, senior police officials and the administration, expressing strong resentment over the incident.
Baton charge during the peaceful protest
Speaking during the protest, Valmiki community representative Bantu Sabharwal strongly condemned the Barnala incident. He alleged that police used force against sanitation workers, including women from the Valmiki community, who were peacefully protesting for their legitimate demands
Even women were not spared
Sabharwal said he went to Barnala to check on the conditions of the protest, but was in shock to see that batons were used against women who were exercising their democratic right to protest reflected the administration's insensitivity and high-handedness. He described the incident as deeply condemnable and said the Valmiki community would not tolerate such action. Sabharwal talked about how women were brought out of the Dharamshala’s and places they were staying, to beat them. He mentioned that some of the women living at a beauty parlour and were hit along with the women owner.
Entire situation explained
He mentioned that the government preaches respecting women, but at the protest site the visuals were completely opposite. Police officials were using force on women peacefully protesting for their cause. He mentioned that sanitation workers were paid respect during the Corona period for their services. He added that if these sanitation workers would not do their job, people would always remain ill and face diseases.
Key Demands of the Protesters
During the statewide demonstrations, the Valmiki community and municipal workers' unions placed several demands before the Punjab government, including:
Immediate dismissal of the SSP, DSP, SHO and Executive Officer allegedly responsible for the Barnala incident.
A fair and impartial inquiry into the alleged police action.
Strict legal action against officials found responsible for the alleged lathi-charge on sanitation workers.
Warning of Intensified Agitation
The protesting unions warned that if the Punjab government failed to act on their demands, the agitation would intensify in the coming days.
They asserted that the statewide protests would continue until strict action is taken against the officials allegedly responsible for the Barnala incident, reiterating that they would not call off their movement until accountability is ensured.
