Tricity
Protesting MGNREGA workers face tear gas, water cannons in Khanna
Protesting MGNREGA workers in Khanna faced tear gas and water cannons after marching toward minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond’s residence, injuring several, including three police officers.
In Khanna, a group of MGNREGA workers and staff attempted to march toward the residence of minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, but police moved in to stop the procession. The crowd was halted near the minister’s home, prompting authorities to deploy tear gas and water cannons to disperse the demonstrators.
The use of force sparked a clash that left several individuals injured, including three police officers who were caught in the melee. The exact number of civilian injuries was not specified, but multiple people required medical attention after the confrontation.
The protest formed part of a longer series of demonstrations across the region concerning the implementation of the MGNREGA scheme. Workers have repeatedly raised concerns about delayed wage payments and unmet guarantees, leading to periodic gatherings that sometimes escalate into confrontations with law enforcement.
Local officials stated that the deployment of tear gas and water cannons was intended to restore order and prevent further disruption. No official comment was immediately available from the minister’s office regarding the incident.
The episode underscores the continuing tension between those who rely on the employment guarantee program and the administration tasked with its oversight, reflecting broader challenges in ensuring timely benefits for rural workers.
Source: Hindustan Times
