Chandigarh-Thousands of Punjab government employees and pensioners staged a massive protest in Chandigarh on Friday, August 7, 2026, disrupting normal life in parts of the city. The rally, held at Sector 39’s Dana Mandi ground under the banner of Sanjha Mulazam Manch and related employee fronts, saw workers from various departments take collective leave to demand the release of pending Dearness Allowance, the restoration of the Old Pension Scheme, the regularisation of contractual staff, and other service benefits.
Protesters later attempted to march towards the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. Chandigarh Police set up barricades and used water cannons to stop them when sections of the crowd tried to advance. The action led to tense scenes, with water jets directed at the demonstrators amid raised flags and slogans. Government offices and schools across Punjab faced significant disruption as staff stayed away for the rally. Traffic was also affected in several sectors of Chandigarh. The protest was eventually called off after officials assured talks on August 27. Opposition leaders from the Akali Dal and Congress criticised the AAP government, calling the employees’ anger a strong signal of growing discontent.