Protesting teachers stop train in Uttar Pradesh
By IANSTuesday, July 27, 2010
LUCKNOW - Hundreds of temporary teachers of government and private schools disrupted rail traffic and clashed with police in Uttar Pradesh’s Muzaffarnagar district Tuesday, demanding permanent jobs and better pay.
Police baton-charged the teachers who stopped the Delhi-Rishikesh Passenger train for about 45 minutes and also tried to damage property at the Muzaffarnagar railway station.
“In order to prevent the teachers from being unruly we had to use force against them. But no one was seriously injured in the incident,” Government Railway Police (GRP) inspector Gajraj Singh told reporters in Muzaffarnagar, some 350 km from Lucknow.
“We restored rail traffic with help from the district police,” he added.
Additional security has been deployed at the Muzaffarnagar railway station and adjoining areas.
“The situation is now under control. Security has been strengthened for the safety of the passengers at Muzaffarnagar railway station,” Superintendent of Police Akash Kumar told reporters.
“We have learnt that a meeting between teachers’ representatives and government officials is under way to look into their demands,” he added.
