Temporary teachers block Kharar-Chandigarh highway

Tribune News Service

Mohali, December 22

Temporary teachers protesting in support of their demands, including regularisation and pay hike, blocked the Kharar-Chandigarh highway near Desu Majra in Kharar here this afternoon, causing traffic jam and inconvenience to the passersby and local residents.

The protesters claimed that they had been working in government schools for 18 years on meagre salaries. Hundreds of meetings had been held with government representatives but to no avail, they added. They said their protest would continue till their demands are met.

The police officials said the situation got tense as the protesters and the commuters clashed with each other on several occasions. On Tuesday, the teachers had staged a protest at the Kharar bus stand. Traffic was hit on Kharar-Ropar highway on Tuesday night.

Some councillors of the Kharar civic body, Kharar Chamber of Commerce officials urged the protesters to call off the sit-in near the Kharar bus stand but the teachers did not budge.

Meanwhile, Sarv Shiksha Abhiyaan teachers staged a protest march in Phase 3B2.