Protests by merit-listed candidates for Primary Teacher Grade-3 posts disrupted traffic at the Board Office Square on Thursday as demonstrators demanded appointment letters and joining orders. The protesters sat on the road and beat metal plates to draw attention to their demands. When police attempted to clear the intersection, several candidates lay down on the road, while some held each other’s hands to resist removal. Police personnel tried to escort the protesters into buses, triggering emotional scenes. One woman, visibly distressed during the action, appealed to the authorities, saying a fellow protester was observing a fast. Another tearfully urged the

 

Chief Minister to address their prolonged uncertainty, declaring, “If you cannot give us appointments, give us poison.” The candidates said they had been seeking an increase in vacancies for nearly two years. They also raised concerns over Clause 49 of the recruitment rules and the DElEd qualification requirement during document verification. As police moved to detain protesters, some began singing the national anthem. The candidates vowed to continue their agitation until a concrete decision on appointments and joining was announced. The protest follows a similar traffic blockade at MP Nagar Square around 22 days ago, which ended after talks with officials.