Khanna, Punjab | Several contractual MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) workers, including women, were injured today when Punjab Police used tear gas shells, water cannons, and baton charges to disperse a protest march in Khanna. The workers had gathered in large numbers at Prem Bhandari Park before marching towards the residence of Punjab Panchayats Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond on Amloh Road. Their demands included the release of pending wages (reportedly delayed for 6–8 months), regularisation of contractual services, and resolution of other long-pending issues. Police had set up barricades to prevent the march from reaching the minister’s residence.
When protesters attempted to cross the barricades, tensions escalated, leading to the use of force. Several workers suffered injuries from baton charges, while many experienced breathing difficulties due to tear gas exposure. At least one worker, Sudagar Singh, reportedly suffered a broken leg and was referred to a hospital in Mohali. Injured protesters were taken to Khanna Civil Hospital for treatment.Opposition Reaction: Contractual NREGA employees demanding their rightful dues were met with tear gas shells and water cannons in Khanna instead of justice. Several employees were injured, and many suffered breathing difficulties. Is this the “badlaav” Punjab was promised, @BhagwantMann
? A government that unleashes force on its own workers instead of listening to them has completely failed the people. Your brutality cannot silence those fighting for their hard-earned rights.