Jalandhar, Aug. 30 -- The Punjab government is cracking down on state employees who joined the August 27 "maha-strike". The department of general administration has ordered department heads to issue show-cause notices and initiate disciplinary action against unauthorised absentees. In response, employee unions are meeting at Ludhiana's Bachat Bhawan to plan their counter-strategy. However, high court lawyer Yagyadeep says that mass punishment will be a "Herculean task". Legally, the state cannot issue blanket penalties. It must formally chargesheet employees and hold individual inquiries. Absences only face dies non (loss of pay) if workers failed to apply for leave, he said.Full report P2...