DHURI, Punjab: The Computer Teachers Union Punjab has strongly condemned the alleged use of police force against persons with disabilities (Divyangs) who were protesting during Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s visit to Dhuri, demanding an increase in their disability pensions and the fulfilment of long-pending demands.
In a statement shared by the union’s representative, the organisation expressed solidarity with the protesting Divyangs and criticised the state government for failing to resolve their grievances despite their prolonged agitation. The union said that people with disabilities seeking their legitimate rights should be heard through dialogue rather than subjected to force.
According to the statement, the protesters have been holding a permanent sit-in, known as a Pakka Morcha, in Dhuri since August 6. Their principal demand is an official notification announcing an increase in the disability pension, along with action on other outstanding issues. The union said that the continued delay had added to the frustration of protesters who had been seeking a concrete decision from the government.
The statement also referred to an incident in September when some protesters reportedly climbed a water tank carrying bottles of petrol in an attempt to draw the administration’s attention to their demands. The union described the episode as an indication of the seriousness of the situation and urged the authorities to address the underlying grievances before the confrontation escalates further.
The Computer Teachers Union Punjab further pointed out that discussions with Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema had not, according to the protesters, resulted in a satisfactory resolution. It called upon Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to intervene directly, meet representatives of the protesting persons with disabilities and provide a clear timeline for implementing the government’s decisions.
The union expressed particular concern over reports that police used force against protesters during the Chief Minister’s visit to Dhuri. It maintained that peaceful demonstrators should be treated with dignity and that any allegations of excessive force should be examined impartially. An official police version of the incident was not included in the statement provided by the union.
Supporting the protesters, the union demanded the immediate issuance of a notification on the disability pension increase, fulfilment of pending commitments and direct talks between the Chief Minister and representatives of the affected community. It also called for a time-bound action plan to ensure that the protesters’ concerns do not remain unresolved indefinitely.
The union’s intervention has brought attention to the wider issue of how governments respond to employees and vulnerable sections of society when they organise demonstrations to press for their rights. For persons with disabilities, pension support can be an important source of financial security, making timely decisions and transparent communication particularly significant.
The controversy also raises questions about the effectiveness of the government’s grievance-redressal mechanisms. While maintaining law and order is the responsibility of the police, allegations of force against peaceful protesters warrant careful scrutiny and an opportunity for all sides to present their accounts.
The Computer Teachers Union Punjab urged the state government to move beyond assurances and take concrete steps to resolve the dispute. It said the immediate priority should be meaningful dialogue, respect for the dignity of persons with disabilities and a clear commitment to addressing their long-pending demands.
The key question remains whether the Punjab government will initiate direct talks and announce a time-bound resolution to the Divyang protesters’ demands.
Publication note: The allegation of police violence and the status of the pension notification should be verified with the protesters, police and Punjab government before publication.