Religious event blocks road

Pawan Jaiswar

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 23

The organisers of a religious event erected tent on Ram Tirath Road at the Valmiki Chowk, blocking the road for commuters on Monday. The programme was organised to mark Valmiki Jayanti.

Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Lakhbir Singh said cops were deployed for security at the event. He said permission was required from the Municipal Corporation for holding such events.

MC Estate Officer Sushant Bhatia said permission was given to the organisers, but with certain conditions.

Nevertheless, cops were deputed for security as well as diverting the traffic. An MC official, preferring not to be named, said, “While granting permission, the MC clearly states that in case the road is blocked during the programme, the police can take necessary steps to get the road vacated.”

A resident said, “The country is still mourning the loss of 58 lives in a tragic train mishap at Joda Phatak that also left several persons wounded and many handicapped. But we are not learning any lesson. The administration should not allow such functions on the road as it can prove fatal besides causing inconvenience to people.

Meanwhile, hundreds of people participated in shobha yatras (processions) organised by several organisations to the mark the occasion. The yatra passed through various bazaars of the city. Flower petals were showered on the participants. Many political dignitaries participated in such programmes organised in different parts of the city. Religious slogans were also raised during these functions.