Sector 48 protest fallout: Chandigarh bans tractor-trolleys in rallies

CHANDIGARH: No tractor-trolleys will be permitted in any rally, protest or demonstration within the city, according to a decision taken during a law and review meeting held on Monday following the farmers’ protest against the Centre’s three controversial agri-marketing laws in Sector 48 on Saturday in which cars of two BJP leaders were damaged.
Protesters had reportedly blocked some entry-exit points of the motor market with tractor trollies in the market.

UT administrator V P Singh Badnore, who chaired the meeting, said every citizen has a right to lawful and peaceful protest in a democracy, but no unlawful activity will be tolerated. “Peaceful protests will be allowed only at the earmarked place, rally ground, Sector 25. Strict action will be taken against those who indulge in violence as per law,” he said.
Badnore said Chandigarh being the capital of Punjab and Haryana, it is the joint responsibility of Punjab Police and Haryana Police to contain such protests within their jurisdiction. A joint meeting of police chiefs of the Tricity will be convened shortly to keep Chandigarh and Tricity free from such incidents and to ensure better coordinated action.
The administrator directed DGP Sanjay Baniwal to ensure better co-ordination with all stakeholders.
The meeting was also attended by UT adviser Dharam Pal, home secretary Arun Kumar Gupta, DC Mandip Brar, SSP Kuldeep Singh Chahal and other senior officials.