Srinagar: Over 24 protesters were on Wednesday detained here as police used batons, water canons and tear smoke shells to chase away hundreds of contractual, casual and daily wage employees of state government demanding regularisation of their services.
The employees, from various government departments, assembled at Sher-e-Kashmir Park here to protest in support of their demand, officials said.
The protesters then started marching towards Lal Chowk to hold dharna at the Clock Tower there, but were intercepted by police at Polo View, the officials said.
Police resorted to water canons, lathi charge and tear gas shells to disperse the workers from the venue, they said.
Sajjad Parray, the head of the combined forum of the protesting employees, said the government has two days to decide on their demands.
"If the government does not take a decision, we will intensify our stir," Parray said before being whisked away by police.
Protesters, including Parray, were detained and lodged at Kothi Bagh police station, officials said.
