Repeal of Article 370: Left parties hold protest march

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, August 6

The Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) today carried out a march in protest against the scrapping of Article 370. They said suspension of mobile phone and internet facilities and the arrest of Kashmir political leaders were a murder of humanity.

Members of the party had planned to carry a protest march from the Desh Bhagat Yaadgar Hall to Namdev Chowk. The members gathered in a huge number at the hall and when they were taking out the march, they were not allowed to go further. They had to end the march in front of the Sports Department, which is few meters away from the Desh Bhagat Yaadgar Hall.

Comrade Ajmer Singh of the CPI (M-L) said they had not come with an intention to hold a dharna or create trouble. They just wanted to take out a silent protest march.

Besides, the Communist Party of India (CPI) and Revolutionary Marxist Party of India (RMPI) too had organised a protest today near the local bus stand, however, they said they were not allowed to hold the protest earlier.

Also, it has been reported that the party workers also wanted to burn effigies of the Central Government but police personnel did not allow the protesters to burn the same and took them away.

The members condemned the move by the Centre.

Notably, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has prohibited any kind of celebration or protest in the state, underlining no activity that could ‘vitiate the atmosphere in the state’ would be allowed.

The CM has also sought a special vigil on the border. Top police and civil brass, during a review meeting, took note of the volatile situation post-the Centre’s announcement on Kashmir. Security for the 8,000-odd Kashmiri students has also been increased.