Letter to The Editor > Lathicharge on unemployed youth - 31/08/2010
The frequent images of the unemployed youth being chased away, beaten up or gripped by neck and subjected to other repressive measures, seem to have become the emblem of the Akali-BJP government in Punjab. Almost every day the newspapers have been carrying the pictures of the unemployed youth, trying to meet the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, sometimes his Deputy Chief Minister son, Sukhbir Badal or other ministers to voice their demands, being thrashed and chased away. The government tries to make out every attempt to meet the CM of the DyCM as a gherao to justify their violence and repression on the helpless youth.This is probably the worst example of a government’s oppression against its own people, particularly the youth who have been demanding jobs as they have been frequently promised in the election manifesto. Instead of choking their voice, these people need to be heard and their grievances addressed. Moreover, the peaceful demonstrations must not be retaliated with violent and repressive methods.
The complete failure of this government to attract investment has led to shrinkage of job opportunities in the state. Hence for the educated unemployed the government seems to be the only avenue of employment. And when our educated youth make a demand, which they feel is genuine, they must be heard and not thrashed and chased away.
Best regards,
Jassi Khangura
Punjab's Most Responsive MLA