City gets two designated ‘dharna sthals’
Laxman Mela ground and public convenience area near Kanshi Ram memorial selected as the two spots
LUCKNOW: The state capital on Wednesday finally got two designated ‘dharna sthals’ – the Laxman Mela ground and the public convenience area near the Kanshi Ram memorial.
The spots were selected after the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court directed the state government to check protests on the roads. A circular was issued by director general of police (DGP) OP Singh, stating that a committee was constituted under the chairmanship of divisional commissioner (Lucknow) to finalise the spots for dharnas.
On the basis of the committee’s recommendations, the two spots were finalised. If the strength of protestors is 300, they will be sent to Laxman Mela ground. No vehicle parking will be permitted on the ground which will be allotted on a first-come-first-serve basis.
And If the strength of protestors is above 300, they will be allotted the public convenience and parking area near Kanshi Ram memorial. Dharnas and demonstrations have been banned on Vidhan Sabha road, areas near Secretariat, Raj Bhawan,VVIP guest house, Kalidas Marg, Park Road, Mahatma Gandhi Marg and high court guest house in Mall Avenue. The DGP said legal action would be taken against those who violate the order. Dharnas have also been banned on highways and main roads passing through the city. Action will be taken against office-bearers of the organisations holding protest and people
who violate the order. If the protestors indulge in violence or damage property, compensation will be realized from them as per the order issued by the Allahabad high court.
The DGP said the police would ensure that demonstrations are peaceful and people do not face inconvenience. Adequate police force with anti-riot equipment would be deployed at the protest spot. Protestors will not be allowed move with weapons and sticks during their demonstrations. The organisers will be required to submit an affidavit that protestors would not spill on the road and remain in the area allotted for the protest, he added. The district administration will also videograph the dharna. If a demonstration is being organised on local issues, then officers will hold talks with protestors to resolve the issue. Before using force, police officers will warn protestors, if they remain adamant then force will be used to neutralise them, said the DGP.