Lathi-charge not the solution
When the public faces traffic congestion and protesters break barricades, the police often come under pressure to control the situation and resort to lathi-charge to disperse crowds. A recent example was seen when around 2,600 apprenticeship linemen were protesting outside the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) headquarters in Patiala. The police eventually used lathi-charge on the unemployed youth. However, lathi-charge is not the solution. The police should instead explore alternative measures such as negotiating with union leaders and creating designated protest zones away from critical traffic routes. The government should establish time-bound grievance redressal committees and implement transparent recruitment policies to prevent protests from escalating into violent confrontations. Moreover, the authorities must address the root causes of unemployment and honour written assurances given to job seekers. Such steps would naturally reduce public frustration, especially among unemployed youth.
Sucha Singh Sagar
Every citizen has right to express concerns
Agitation by employees, trade unions and various other organisations have become increasingly common in recent times. The intensity of such protests often rises in the run-up to elections, when several groups resort to demonstrations and blockades of public places, roads and government offices to exert pressure on the authorities for the acceptance of their demands. In a democratic system, every citizen and organisation has the right to express concerns and seek redressal of grievances through peaceful and lawful means. However, any form of violence, disorder or disruption that adversely affects public life is highly undesirable. Disturbances in government offices caused by agitating employees or organisations result in considerable inconvenience to citizens and often become a source of public frustration. Highways, roads, railways and marketplace are the lifeline of social and economic activity. Any obstruction to their normal functioning is regrettable, as it not only causes delays but also leads to significant financial losses for individuals, businesses and the economy as a whole. The recent blockade by lineman interns outside the PSPCL headquarters in Patiala created widespread concern, eventually compelling the police to intervene and clear the entry gates. Similarly, farmers’ unions have on several occasions blocked major interstate roads and railway routes for extended periods. Some groups have even marched towards the state capital in defiance of prohibitory orders to press for the resolution of their demands. There is an urgent need for a robust mechanism to address contentious issues promptly before they escalate into larger confrontations. A comprehensive review of the administrative approach towards handling matters of public importance is most warranted. Under no circumstances should essential public utility services and the functioning of government offices be allowed to suffer. While timely resolution of genuine grievances is crucial to avoid deadlocks, no individual or organisation should be permitted to obstruct the free movement of commuters or disrupt public services. At the same time, recognising that unemployment remains one of the country’s most pressing challenges, law-enforcement agencies should deal with peaceful protests by unemployed youth with greater sensitivity and empathy. Protesters must also remain mindful of the inconvenience caused to ordinary citizens and ensure that no damage is inflicted upon public property. The need is for a strong legal framework to prevent lawlessness and disruptions in public utility services, but the use of force should be avoided as far as possible. Prompt attention to public grievances and constructive dialogue can significantly reduce unwanted hassles, improve administrative efficiency and contribute to peace, stability and progress, thereby ensuring sustained growth.
Nirmaljit Singh Chatrath
peaceful protest is vital part of democracy
The right to peaceful protest is a vital part of democracy and citizens seeking employment opportunities deserve to have their grievances heard with dignity and respect. At the same time, protesters must ensure that demonstrations remain peaceful and do not disrupt public order or endanger lives and property. Wherever possible, the authorities should prioritise dialogue, mediation and engagement before considering coercive measures. Senior administrative officers and representatives of the concerned department should meet protest leaders, listen to their demands and provide a clear roadmap or timeline for addressing legitimate concerns. Designated protest areas, advance communication and trained crowd-management teams can help prevent confrontation. The use of force should be the last resort and only when absolutely necessary to maintain public safety. A humane, patient and transparent approach by both protesters and law-enforcement agencies can build trust, reduce tensions and strengthen democratic values in society.
JP Singh
Govt should not adopt rude approach
India is a democratic country and peaceful protests in a democracy reflect a positive ideology and vision of protesters and agitators who seek to press for the acceptance of their genuine demands. The right to freedom and the right to speech are fundamental rights that allow citizens to express their demands and desires peacefully and draw the attention of the government and administration. Such agitations are often organised so that the government and administration focus on genuine demands. A few years ago, teachers demonstrated peacefully for the regularisation of their temporary jobs. At present, linemen from PSPCL and bus drivers and conductors of PUNBUS, who have worked on temporary appointments for long periods, are demanding that their services be regularised rather than continuing on a contractual basis. The administration and government should not adopt a rude approach towards such genuine demands. If people are protesting peacefully, the authorities should refrain from brutally lathi-charging innocent protesters. Employees and protesters usually come onto the streets only when they feel that their genuine demands have been side-lined and repeatedly ignored despite submitting representations again and again.
Rajat Kumar Mohindru
Organise peaceful demonstrations
Raising one’s voice for rights is undoubtedly a fundamental right. However, demonstrations and public gatherings can sometimes take an ugly turn, compelling law-enforcement agencies to take serious action. Such situations can often be avoided if certain measures are adopted before protests are organised, ensuring that they remain peaceful and pacific. First, the organisation holding the protest should obtain proper permission from the concerned authorities through a legal document containing details such as the number of participants, timing, sitting arrangements and agenda. Second, while granting permission, a clear time limit should be specified. Demonstrations should be conducted only for a limited duration. Third, demonstrations should be organised only at designated locations and not at random places so that traffic snarls can be avoided. Fourth, common people, especially patients, elderly persons and small children, often suffer because of traffic disruptions caused by such protests. Fifth, banners mentioning the time limit and other conditions should be displayed prominently so that every participant is aware of the legal aspects of the protest. If demonstrations are planned and disciplined, the voices of protesters will be heard more clearly and taken more seriously. Efforts should always be made to ensure that situations never reach the stage where serious action becomes necessary.
Anjali Kumar
Govt should focus on open communication
It has become increasingly common for governments to appear unwilling to engage with protesters. We frequently witness situations in which people are treated harshly when they gather to voice their concerns, particularly during visits by senior leaders. In many cases, citizens are not even allowed to peacefully meet or submit their grievances to elected representatives. This raises serious questions about how effectively a government is protecting and representing its own people. The use of force, such as lathi-charge, against peaceful demonstrators is deeply concerning and should be avoided, as it undermines trust between the public and authorities. In a true democracy, citizens must have the freedom to express their concerns and seek dialogue with their leaders. Rather than suppressing protests, governments should focus on open communication and constructive engagement. Only by respecting peaceful dissent can trust be strengthened and genuine democratic values upheld in society.
Ramneek Kaur
Protests met with harsh treatment
It is unfortunate that protests are often met with harsh treatment instead of understanding. In a democratic society, people should have the freedom to express their opinions and raise concerns without fear. Peaceful protest is a legitimate and important means through which citizens communicate with authorities and highlight issues that matter to them. When individuals are demonstrating peacefully, there can be no justification for treating them badly or using unnecessary force. Authorities should focus on maintaining order through respectful and non-violent methods, including dialogue, negotiation and crowd-management strategies that safeguard both public safety and human rights. The use of force or intimidation does not resolve underlying problems. Instead, it often deepens mistrust between the public and institutions. A healthy democracy depends upon listening to people and responding constructively to their concerns rather than suppressing them. Peaceful expression must always be protected and respected fairly and equally in society.
Anuja Sharma
People feel ignored rather than heard
The incident once again demonstrates that force should not be the first response when unemployed youth take to the streets. While protests must remain peaceful, the police can often defuse tense situations through dialogue and patience. Before taking any action, senior officers should engage directly with protest leaders and seek to understand their demands. Even a structured discussion of limited duration can help calm emotions and prevent confrontation. The administration can also assure protesters that their concerns will be conveyed to the government. Many demonstrations escalate because participants feel ignored rather than heard, although that was not the situation in Patiala, where the protest was peaceful. When authorities choose conversation over confrontation, they not only reduce the risk of injuries but also strengthen public trust in democratic institutions.
Garima Syal
Abuse of power will not be tolerated
Police officials who resorted to violence against apprentice linemen peacefully protesting for their rights should face strict action. Violence cannot become the default response to citizens raising legitimate concerns. The apprentice linemen were seeking answers regarding their future and employment and were not engaged in any criminal activity. If police personnel exceeded their authority and used unnecessary force, they must be held accountable. Merely transferring officials or issuing warnings is not enough when protesters have suffered serious injuries. Firm action against those responsible would send a clear message that abuse of power will not be tolerated and that democratic dissent deserves respect rather than suppression.
Navneet Kaur
Focus on resolving grievances
The Patiala incident reflects a deeper failure of governance. Apprentice linemen were protesting because they were demanding employment. When governments fail to address such concerns in time, protests become inevitable. What is particularly troubling is that instead of meaningful engagement, those raising their voices were reportedly met with brutal police force. Lathi-charge cannot substitute for employment policies or effective administrative action. The focus should be on resolving grievances through dialogue and decision-making rather than suppressing dissent through force. Such incidents highlight the government’s inability to address genuine issues in a timely and effective manner.
Shivam Sharma
Address protesters’ demands patiently
The lathi-charge on peacefully gathered protesters in the state is highly condemnable and such actions have no place in a democratic setup. A state’s well-being is measured by the prosperity of the people living in it. Citizens without jobs and seeking livelihood to sustain themselves have every right to air their grievances. The manner of the police action and the injuries reportedly sustained by protesters during the recent agitation have rightly attracted widespread criticism from various people’s groups across the state. Governments democratically voted to power are expected to give a patient hearing to people’s problems and address them, rather than rashly targeting them, as was done in this case.
Varun Khanna
New ways needed to handle protests
Drugs, overseas exodus and the declining quality of education coupled with exorbitant fees have all contributed to the severity of the unemployment scenario in the state. The government often highlights its efforts to address unemployment by creating new posts and recruiting personnel in various departments. The unemployed are essentially a community of people who could be advantageously engaged by the government if it devises effective means and ways to assimilate them into the workforce. Rather than focusing on that responsibility, the lathi-charge on people demanding recruitment is questionable, while the stern methods through which protesters were targeted this time are condemnable. There must be more creative ways than violence for a government to deal with peaceful protesters.
Rashmi Malik
Protesters should not pose any obstruction
While protests are welcome in a democracy and peaceful protests have historically been pivotal in expressing public opposition to policies and, at times, bringing about policy change, it is expected that protesters do not act in a manner that disrupts government functioning or the public good. In this case, the protesters did not pose any such obstruction. The powerful, privileged and politicians can afford the poor and unemployed at least the dignity of a peaceful protest. This is often the only means they have of bringing their voice to the government.
Prabhleen Kaur
