Hundreds of PWD employees were protesting against the government’s decision to downsize and dismantle certain government departments, including PWD.

They had staged a protest demonstration near the PWD office, protesting the government’s policies and voicing concerns over the potential loss of jobs.

The protest escalated as employees blocked key roads, causing major traffic disruptions in the area.

Police sources said that efforts had been made to negotiate with the demonstrators to peacefully disperse and clear the roads. However, the negotiations failed as the protesters refused to back down.

As a result, the police resorted to baton-charging protesters and firing tear gas to disperse them. The police also arrested around 17 protesters and took them to nearby police stations.

The protest highlighted employees’ dissatisfaction with the government’s decision, fearing mass layoffs and uncertainty of their future livelihoods.