Chandigarh, Aug. 12 -- Nearly 15,000 employees of the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) comprising junior engineers, linemen, clerks and other staff across the state began their three-day strike on Monday, bringing a large part of the grievances redressal at halt and affecting supplies in some areas. The PSPCL has invoked the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA), issuing a warning of strict penalties. Among the demands of the protesters were creation of new posts and filling of existing vacancies, increase in ex gratia amount, etc. Power minister Harbhajan Singh ETO appealed to employees to settle the issue through dialogue. After minister's assurance, the junior engineers's association decided to withdraw their mass leave and strike. HTC...