Brazen disregard for Covid protocols witnessed across protest sites in Ludhiana - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Brazen disregard for Covid protocols witnessed across protest sites in Ludhiana

By, Ludhiana
Jun 20, 2021 02:42 AM IST

Heavy traffic jams were witnessed at Jagraon Bridge for around an hour as the traffic moved at snail’s pace after the YAD staged a protest against the state government; despite deployment of police force, the leaders and workers parked their vehicles along the bridge, creating bottlenecks.

Abandoning caution amid warnings of an impending third wave of coronavirus infections, political parties are mustering large gatherings to stage protests in different parts of the city. Party workers could be seen flouting all pandemic protocols with impunity.

Social activist Amandeep Singh Bains said strict action should be taken against politicians as their activities are likely to increase the state’s Covid count. (Gurpreet Singh/HT)
Social activist Amandeep Singh Bains said strict action should be taken against politicians as their activities are likely to increase the state’s Covid count. (Gurpreet Singh/HT)

On Saturday alone, disregarding the ban on political gatherings, around 200-300 people gathered for protests called by the Aam Aadmi Party and Youth Akali Dal over different issues. Similarly, a large number of BJP workers had gathered outside the four MC zonal offices to protest against the water-sewer tariff on Thursday. Participants were seen huddling together without masks just four days after Covid relaxations were announced across the state.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The district administration and police department were silent bystanders. As per reports, All India Institute of Medical Sciences chief Dr Randeep Guleria has said that a third wave of Covid infections is “inevitable” in India and is likely hit the country within the next six to eight weeks. Social activist Amandeep Singh Bains said strict action should be taken against politicians as their activities are likely to increase the state’s Covid count. “It seems the political parties have failed to learn anything from the deadly second wave of the pandemic. Politicians should not put residents’ lives at stake for their vested political interests,” said Bains.

Meanwhile, leaders said limited gatherings had been arranged in light of the pandemic. YAD president, Parambans Singh Bunty Romana said, “We would have gathered a larger number of protesters if not for the pandemic.”

AAP’s state joint secretary Aman Mohie said, “Raising our voice against the wrongdoings of the government is important and our protest was organised against the multi-crore post-matric scam, due to which the future of around two lakh students is at stake. A limited gathering was arranged with social distancing and the use of face masks.” Meanwhile, commissioner of police Rakesh Agrawal said, “It is the responsibility of every citizen, more so of political leaders, to observe Covid appropriate behaviour. Police will take appropriate action.”

YAD’s protest causes traffic snarls

Heavy traffic jams were witnessed at Jagraon Bridge for around an hour as the traffic moved at snail’s pace after the YAD staged a protest against the state government. Despite deployment of police force, the leaders and workers parked their vehicles along the bridge, creating bottlenecks.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On