Protests spill over to city as venue remains deserted

LUDHIANA: Despite the ground opposite Vardhaman industries being allocated as the venue for protests, the orders have not been implemented, with protests still being conducted outside the DC office.

A major protest was conducted outside the VC office by Congress leaders on Friday. They burnt the effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Another protest was staged by a taxi driver and his supporters on

Ferozepur road

, disrupting traffic. There was a violent protest outside Basti Jodhewal Police Station on Thursday as well.

On October 13, police commissioner

Jatinder Singh Aulakh

, using his powers under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, fixed GLADA ground opposite Vardhaman Industries in Sector 39 A on the

Ludhiana-Chandigarh

road as venue for any protest by political parties or other organisations. The decision was taken to prevent inconvenience to the general public because of protests by political parties and other organisations.

However, the order remained only on the paper as nothing was done for its implementation. Protests continue to be organized on important city roads, highways and even outside the office of the deputy commissioner.

"Nothing has been done to implement the orders and it is the general public that is at the receiving end. This order should be implemented and offenders should be given stringent punishment. If a place for protests can be fixed in Chandigarh, why can't the same be done in Ludhiana," asked advocate Harjiot Singh.

Police commissioner Jatinder Singh Aulakh said, "We have registered a case with regard to the protest carried out on Ferozepur Road on Friday. Those who violate orders will be booked and we will implement the orders stringently. We will not allow city residents to be harassed by protesters."