Sangrur- A computer teacher in Punjab entered the eighth day of his hunger strike on Sunday, protesting against the Bhagwant Mann government's alleged failure to address salary dues and other demands. Johnny Singhla's fast-unto-death protest began on December 22, coinciding with a relay fast by fellow government computer teachers that has now reached its 120th day.

The teachers, under the banner of the Computer Adhyapak Bhukh Hartal Sanghrash Committee, allege the government has ignored their pleas for wage revision and parity. They claim that while Punjab Cabinet ministers visited the Khanauri border to meet with protesting farmer leader Jagjit Singh Dallewal, no similar effort has been made to address their grievances.

Harpreet, a teacher participating in the relay fast, said, "Johnny sir's fast-unto-death started on December 22 and has entered its eighth day but no official has come to enquire." The teachers accuse the AAP government of failing to fulfill promises made before the Assembly election, including assurances that no one would need to resort to extreme measures to get their demands met.

Gurpreet Siddhu, another protesting teacher, stated, "Ahead of the Assembly election, the ruling AAP had promised that under their government nobody would need to agitate or climb water tanks to get their genuine demands accepted." He added, "But today, not only have our earlier wage benefits been withdrawn but our colleague has also been pushed towards fast-unto-death."

Teachers demand the Sixth Pay Commission, revised dearness allowance, and assistance for the families of over 100 deceased computer teachers. They claim to have held over 40 meetings with ministers but have seen no resolution to their issues.

Rohit Kansal, another teacher involved in the protest, expressed concern over Singhla's health and determination, saying, "Johnny sir was forced to take the extreme step of fast-unto-death to mount pressure on the government. He tells me that he does not want his death to go to waste. He wants to lay down his life while fighting the government."

Last month, the protesting teachers held a demonstration outside the Chief Minister's residence but moved their protest after receiving assurances from officials and State Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains. However, with no concrete action taken, the teachers have continued their protest, highlighting the plight of computer teachers in Punjab under the AAP government.