Police keep up Diwali spirit

Shivani Bhakoo

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, October 16

It seems the police have “softened” their stance while dealing with traffic violators, keeping in mind the festive spirit all around. Be it the congested markets of Ghumar Mandi, Model Town and Chaura Bazar or eateries and shopping malls, not many violators are being penalised by the police these days.

Though the Commissioner of Police, RN Dhoke, said the police were going as per the normal routine and challaning violators, residents feel the “lenient” approach by the police during the Diwali week has brought much respite.

Chander Maini, a senior citizen, said when she found no vacant parking place in Ghumar Mandi, she requested a policeman to let her daughter-in-law park the car on the roadside for a while, and he obliged.

“Of course, we need to obey the traffic rules. But during the festival season, almost the entire city goes shopping. How can we obey the traffic rules when we are not provided with desirable options (enough parking space). If the police go on a challaning spree, the festive spirit will be dampened. We appreciate that the police are acting politely and even the public is cooperating with them,” said Maini.

A traffic policeman said: “We are making the best efforts to regulate traffic. But it is not easy to tackle the huge rush during festival days. We are trying not to dampen the festive spirit. Unless and until it is a glaring traffic violation, we prefer to look the other way during Diwali,” said the policeman.