After backlash, Sangrur admn withdraws tent house order

Order had gone viral on social media; AAP sees bid to crush dissent

Tribune News Service

Sangrur, December 21

When the farm agitation against the Central farm laws is gaining momentum across Punjab and at Delhi, an order issued by the Sangrur Subdivisional Magistrate (SDM) Babbandeep Singh Walia directing local tent house owners not to give any tents or sound systems to any protesters without the permission of the administration has caused resentment.

After the order went viral on social media, the Sangrur administration withdrew it. In his order, the SDM had directed that for any protest or rally, tent house owners and sound system owners should not give any equipment without the permission of the administration and if they do so, they would face legal action.

“I had issued the directions as per norms and the Sangrur administration will take further action as I have been transferred to Bathinda,” Walia said. Inqulabi Morcha Punjab leader Swarnjit Singh alleged the administration wanted to prevent protests against the Congress government, which had failed to fulfil its promises.

“Apart from the creating problems in the agitation of the common man against the Punjab Government, the order would have also created problems for our farmers, who are protesting against the Central laws,” he said.

Sangrur DC Ramvir said they had withdrawn the order. “Though it was a routine order and had nothing to do with the protest of farmers, we have withdrawn it,” he said.