Chandigarh-North American Punjabi Association(NAPA) Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal has strongly condemned the police lathi-charge on unemployed ITI-qualified candidates protesting outside the PSPCL headquarters in Patiala. Reports indicate that the youth were demonstrating to demand employment opportunities when police used force to disperse them after tensions escalated during the protest.
In a statement, Chahal said that it is unfortunate and disturbing that unemployed youth, who are already struggling with uncertainty and lack of job opportunities, are being met with lathis instead of solutions. He said that the right to peaceful protest is a fundamental democratic right and governments must listen to the grievances of citizens rather than suppress their voices through force.
Chahal stated that Punjab’s youth are facing serious challenges, including unemployment, migration, and economic insecurity. Instead of addressing these pressing concerns, the use of police force against job-seeking youth sends a negative message about the government’s commitment to democratic values and public accountability.
“The youth of Punjab are not criminals. They are citizens demanding employment and a secure future. Their concerns deserve dialogue and respect, not intimidation,” Chahal said.
NAPA urged the Punjab Government to immediately initiate meaningful discussions with representatives of the protesting candidates and work towards a fair resolution of their demands. He also called for an impartial inquiry into the circumstances that led to the lathi-charge and demanded accountability if excessive force was used.
Chahal further emphasised that a government elected on promises of transparency, employment, and good governance must remain open to criticism and public protest. Democracy is strengthened when governments engage with dissatisfied citizens; it is weakened when dissent is met with force.
NAPA stands in solidarity with the unemployed youth of Punjab and appeals to the authorities to adopt a humane, democratic, and constructive approach to resolving the issue. The association reiterates that the future of Punjab depends on empowering its youth through employment, opportunity, and justice rather than confrontation and coercion.