From Jobs to Lathis: Randhawa Condemns Police Action on ITI Apprentices in Punjab
Congress senior leader and Member of Parliament from Gurdaspur, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, has strongly condemned the police lathicharge on 2,600 apprentice linemen union ITI-trained youths who were protesting outside the main office of Powercom (Electricity Board) in Patiala over their demands.
City Air News
Jun 5, 2026 11:43
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Chandigarh, June 5, 2026: Congress senior leader and Member of Parliament from Gurdaspur, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, has strongly condemned the police lathicharge on 2,600 apprentice linemen union ITI-trained youths who were protesting outside the main office of Powercom (Electricity Board) in Patiala over their demands.
He said this is a direct attack on the dignity of Punjab’s youth. He added that the same government which claims to belong to the common people is now beating young people who are simply demanding their rights on the streets.
Randhawa said that instead of listening to the voices of youth fighting for their future and employment, the Bhagwant Mann government chose to resort to baton charges, which is extremely shameful and unfortunate. He said these youths have been peacefully protesting for a long time over legitimate demands such as regularization of their services, removal of written examinations for Assistant Lineman (ALM) posts, and giving priority in recruitment.
He stated that despite several rounds of meetings, when the government and Powercom management failed to find a solution, the protesters intensified their demonstration by blocking the main office gate. He added that the use of force by the police and the brutal dispersal of youth reflects the government’s insensitive approach.
He alleged that unemployment in Punjab is continuously rising, and instead of providing jobs, the government is focused on suppressing youth movements. Randhawa demanded that strict action be taken against the officers who ordered the lathicharge, that the injured youths be given proper medical treatment and compensation, and that their demands be seriously considered and resolved through dialogue.
He said the Congress Party has always stood with the voices of youth, employees, and the working class and will continue to fight strongly for their rights.
