Goa, Aug. 28 -- The standoff between the Punjab government and its employees escalated on Thursday after the Bhagwant Mann-led government directed departments to prepare lists of employees who remained absent from duty during the statewide 'Maha Hartal' and initiate appropriate action against them.

The government's move drew a strong political reaction from Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia, who accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of "taking revenge" on employees for participating in the strike. The SAD has extended its support to the protesting employees and warned that any alleged "high-handedness" by the government would be opposed.

Thousands of government employees and pensioners participated in the statewide s...