BARNALA: Under mounting pressure of various protesting teachers and unemployed unions, the residence of Punjab education minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer at Barnala town has been fortified from all sides.
The fortification is further tightened every Sunday, when activists turn up in large numbers to protest against the policies of the government. The main entrance leading towards the residence has been blocked by putting up barricades, while the rear wall of a petrol pump just opposite the main gate of the residence has been raised at least twice.
Police vehicles are always on alert, and on Sundays even riot-control vehicles are deployed. A police official said, "The force too is under stress to maintain law and order. A number of times, women protesters turn violent and sometimes headgear of protesting males are tossed. They have to deal with such situations while maintaining calm."
