Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 17: Former general secretary of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Jammu, Gaurav Gupta today expressed deep concern over the frequent blocking of roads and bridges in Jammu due to protests and demonstrations. Highlighting the severe inconvenience caused to the public, he stressed the need for a more structured approach to public demonstrations to ensure minimal disruption to daily life.
“Blocking roads and bridges during protests creates immense hardship for the common people. Many face medical emergencies, miss important meetings, flights, and trains, or struggle to pick up their children from schools on time. Such situations not only create inconvenience for the public but also tarnish the purpose of the protests,” Gupta said in a statement issued today.
Drawing inspiration from the models implemented by various state and union territory governments, Gaurav suggested, “Protests are organized at designated locations like Jantar Mantar, Ram Leela Ground, and Bhurari Ground in Delhi, Azad Maidan and Exhibition Ground in Goregaon (Mumbai), Rally Ground Sector 25 in Chandigarh, Eco Garden in Lucknow (UP), and Freedom Park in Bangalore, allowing people to voice their concerns without causing significant inconvenience to others. Jammu can also adopt a similar framework to balance democratic rights and public convenience.”
Appealing to the Lt Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha, and his administration to allocate a specific area where individuals, organizations or political parties can hold protests and demonstrations, Gupta said, “A dedicated protest site would allow people to raise their voices effectively while ensuring that essential services and the smooth flow of traffic are not disrupted.”
Gaurav Gupta emphasized that striking a balance between the right to protest and maintaining public convenience is essential for a harmonious society. He assured that his suggestions are not against protests but aimed at ensuring that these important expressions of democracy do not inadvertently harm the very people they are intended to support.
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