Punjab Teachers Protest Disrupted by Police, CM Faces Security Scare
Mohali, Punjab – Punjab Police used water cannons and cane-charged protesting teachers in Mohali on Monday, March 2, 2026, as they attempted to march towards the residence of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Simultaneously, Fortis Hospital in Mohali, where CM Mann is currently hospitalized, was placed on high alert following a bomb threat.
Teachers Protest for Regularization and Benefits
Teachers, representing the Special Cadre Teachers Front, Punjab, were attempting to “gherao” the Chief Minister’s residence to demand the full implementation of benefits associated with their regularization. In 2023, the state government had distributed appointment letters to 12,710 temporary teachers, effectively regularizing their positions. However, teachers claim they have yet to receive the financial benefits promised with this regularization.
Protesters allege that even as a nominal salary increase was provided, a proper pay scale has not been announced, and crucial service rules – which govern financial benefits for regular employees – remain unimplemented. Anubhav Gupta, a protester, stated that the lack of implementation has “dashed the hopes of several Punjab government school teachers, some of them teaching for 15 years.”
Beyond the pay scale and service rules, teachers are also demanding the implementation of the old pension scheme, medical reimbursement, a group insurance scheme, ex-gratia gratuity, mobile allowance, and child care leave. They are also seeking an increase in the retirement age for special cadre teachers from 58 to 65 years.
CM Mann Faces Bomb Threat During Hospital Stay
While the teacher’s protest unfolded, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, admitted to Fortis Hospital in Mohali, became the target of a security threat. The hospital received an email claiming Mann had been “infected with polonium by the heirs of Bhai Dilawar Singh” and warned of a fate similar to that of former Chief Minister Beant Singh, who was assassinated in 1995.
Authorities have clarified there are no plans to move CM Mann, and both Mohali police and his security team are on high alert. Similar threats received on February 11 were previously deemed hoaxes, but security agencies are taking no chances. The threat prompted a thorough search of the hospital premises by anti-sabotage teams.
Recent Security Concerns in Mohali
The bomb threat extended beyond the hospital, with schools in Mohali also receiving similar threats. The email warned of explosions at schools and Fortis Hospital at 1:11 PM. Police and intelligence agencies have been placed on high alert, and security has been increased around educational institutions and the hospital.
Sources: Hindustan Times, The Indian Express