Ban on rallies in Amritsar upsets Sikh bodies, farmers, farmer outfits upset as administration bans rallies in Amritsar

AMRITSAR: Sikh groups and farmer organizations have been taken aback by the sudden orders of Amritsar administration to impose a complete ban on holding protests, sloganeering and staging demonstrations. Various Sikh bodies have chalked out programmes for demonstrations against the incidents of desecration of Guru Granth Sahib; besides, farmers were to start their protests from Wednesday.
Deputy commissioner Ravi Bhagat informed that the administration has a imposed a ban on gathering of five or more persons, holding protest rallies, demonstrations, meetings and sloganeering in the areas falling under Amritsar (rural) police district. He said it had been brought to his knowledge that some political parties were preparing for protest rallies in the district, which could further inflame the sentiments. "Government appears scared of the scale of resentment in the heart of common Sikhs against it, so, it is now trying to oppress their voice," said former chairman of Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) Upkar Singh Sandhu, who had resigned from the post on October 25 blaming SAD (Badal) for not being able to deal with the religious crisis. Akal Purakh Ki Fauj president and core committee member of Panthic Talmel Sangathan, Jaswinder Singh said, "Government can't stop people from expressing their sentiments. Sikhs are already hurt by incidents of disrespect to Guru Granth Sahib and will not accept such orders of the district administration." He said the government should clarify which side it was supporting - the peaceful protesters or those who were responsible for acts of sacrilege.
Kissan Sangharsh Committee convener Satnam Singh said, "Farmers are protesting against government failure to protect their interests."