On June 5, 2026, Punjab Police used batons to clear Industrial Training Institute graduates who were demonstrating outside the state power corporation headquarters in Patiala. Members of the 2600 Apprentice Linemen Union had maintained a sit-in since June 1, seeking job regularisation and exemption from a planned recruitment exam for assistant lineman posts.
Union representatives said about 20 people were injured and taken to hospitals, including some with fractures and head wounds. Police explained that officers acted after repeated warnings and when protesters attempted to block a second gate.
The union had earlier suspended its protest after receiving assurances linked to the Chief Minister about a Punjabi language test. Delays connected to municipal elections later prompted the resumption of the demonstration.
Opposition leaders from the Shiromani Akali Dal and Congress criticised the Aam Aadmi Party-led state government for the police action against the job seekers.
