Police Push Away Secretariat Staff from Dharna Chowk
The protesters said they had sought permission for a peaceful agitation, which the police refused.
Vijayawada:Tension prevailed at Dharna Chowk in Gandhi Nagar of Vijayawada on Sunday when a large number of village and ward secretariat employees attempted to stage a protest there seeking promotions, release of pending increments, and resolution of their long-pending grievances.
Police in large numbers prevented the employees from reaching the protest venue, triggering heated exchanges, pushing, and shoving. Police detained several protesters as the struggle escalated. YSRC leaders alleged that police resorted to lathi-charge, including against women, and detained 141 employees.
The employees, who said they have been working for around seven years, demanded a clear written assurance from the government on their promotions, two pending increments, and other service issues. They said they would continue their agitation until their demands are addressed.
The protesters said they had sought permission for a peaceful agitation, which the police refused.
YSRC SC Cell state president and former MLA T.J.R. Sudhakar Babu condemned the police action and demanded release of the detained employees. He charged that the government is burdening staff with excessive workload and denying holidays instead of holding talks.
Sudhakar Babu wanted the reorganisation of 15,004 secretariats to 7,715 stalled as it would lead to nearly 30,000 employees losing their jobs.
YSRC MLC Lella Appi Reddy accused the government of failing to honour its poll promise of doubling the pay of employees.
