Patiala: Senior Congress leader and former senior police officer Gurinder Dhillon has strongly condemned the use of force by police against protesting youth in Patiala, describing the action as “unwarranted” and expressing concern over the injuries suffered by several demonstrators.
In a statement shared on social media, Dhillon revealed that he visited injured protesters admitted to Rajindra Hospital after the police action. He said he was deeply saddened to witness the condition of the young protesters who were demanding employment opportunities and seeking redress of their grievances.
Dhillon stated that the use of brutal force against peaceful protesters was unacceptable in a democratic society and called for accountability regarding the incident. He emphasized that the aspirations and concerns of Punjab’s youth deserve a constructive response from the government rather than confrontation.
Following his visit to the hospital, the former IPS officer also reached the protest site to express solidarity with the agitating youth. He urged the Punjab Government to engage in meaningful dialogue with the protesters and resolve the issue through discussion and consensus.
According to Dhillon, the demands raised by the protesters are genuine and deserve immediate attention. He called upon the government to accept their legitimate demands and work towards providing solutions that address the growing concerns of unemployed youth in the state.
The incident has once again brought attention to the challenges facing Punjab’s young population, particularly issues related to employment and recruitment. Political leaders, social activists, and members of civil society have increasingly voiced concerns over the handling of protests and the need for a more humane approach in dealing with agitating youth.
Dhillon’s remarks add to the growing criticism of the police action in Patiala and are likely to intensify calls for the government to review the incident and engage positively with the protesting youth to prevent further escalation of tensions.