Patiala: Tensions flared in Sangrur on Monday as unemployed teachers and health workers clashed with police while attempting to march towards the chief minister’s residence, demanding filling of vacant posts in the education and health departments.The protest, organised by the Unemployed Common Front (Berozgar Sanjha Morcha), saw hundreds of youths marching from the Verka Milk Plant before being stopped at barricades by a heavy police deployment.A scuffle broke out during the standoff, with protesters alleging that some participants were manhandled, their turbans dislodged and clothes torn. They also claimed that portraits of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev carried during the march were damaged.Police detained several activists, including state convener Sukhwinder Singh Dhilwan, but later released them after fellow protesters staged a sit-in.Union leaders accused the state government of failing to adhere to its recruitment calendar, alleging that posts for nursery, ETT, master cadre, lecturers and assistant professors have not been advertised for years.They said many candidates have crossed the upper age limit while waiting for recruitment and demanded a one-time age relaxation. The protesters also sought removal of the 55% marks eligibility condition for master cadre recruitment and resolution of pending vacancies, including art & craft and multi-purpose health worker (male) posts.Protesters claimed the administration later gave a written assurance for a high-level meeting on April 9 with senior officials, including the education, personnel and health secretaries. However, they remained sceptical, noting that their ongoing protest outside the DC office has entered its 89th day.
