Protesting nurse 'hit' by Navjot Singh Sidhu's convoy, injured

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, January 1

A 44-year-old ANM (auxiliary nurse and midwife), Amandeep Kaur, was injured after she was allegedly dragged by state Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu’s vehicle outside his residence here today. Demanding regular jobs, the ANMs have been protesting outside Sidhu’s house for more than a month.

They tried to block Sidhu’s way as he was leaving his home in the morning. One of the protesters said they wanted to talk to the Congress leader about their demand, but he refused. Sarbajit Kaur, one of the protesters, said: “Sidhu had promised to address our concern. We wanted to enquire about our case today.” The employees alleged Sidhu’s vehicle tried to mow them down. Sarbajit claimed Sidhu was in the car that dragged Amandeep.

The injured ANM was taken to Government Medical College, where she is under treatment for a spine injury.

After the incident, the employees raised slogans against Sidhu and Deputy Chief Minister OP Soni.

Ninder Kaur, state convener of the protesting employees, said: “We are called for meetings every second or third day, but no action is taken to regularise our jobs. We wanted to meet Sidhu, but he refused.”

She alleged that Sidhu’s security personnel used foul language and manhandled women employees. “Sidhu remained in his car while his guards manhandled us. He remained a mute spectator,” she said.