Six protesters were injured in the firing

Three persons, two of them brick kiln owners, were arrested today in connection with the incident of firing on labourers during a protest held by them last evening in Beas. Six protesters were injured in the firing. One of them, Mann Singh, sustained a bullet injury in his stomach.

The arrested have been identified as Harjinder Singh Dhillon, Jasveer Singh, both owners of kilns in Tarn Taran and Dhotian village, respectively, and Karam Singh, a security guard of Dhillon. Baba Bakala DSP Amrik Singh said the accused have been sent in a day’s police remand.

He added that the case was registered on the complaint of protesters late last evening.

Meanwhile, police sources said the brick kiln owners have charged the protesters with pelting them with stones when they approached with a proposal to accept their demands.

They said the labourers were protesting against the non-fulfillment of their demands, including hike in daily-wages and payment of arrears.

The DSP said the labourers initially intended to gherao the office of the Baba Bakala SDM, but yesterday being a closed day, they returned to the brick kiln at Wazir Bhullar village, where the owners too were holding a meeting.

This reportedly angered the owners, who first damaged the speakers of the protesters and then opened fire, injuring six persons. Amritsar (Rural) SSP Gurmeet Singh Chauhan said investigations were on.

He said save Mann Singh all other were stated to be out of danger.