The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Stirs at junctions may go Law & order

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Saturday, May 03, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Stirs at junctions may go Law & order

Cancellation of some agitation points will ease traffic, says
S. Vijay Kumar

Agitations and demonstrations at public places may be an attempt to draw the attention of the people.

But can that be allowed at the cost of smooth traffic? Should designated places of agitations/demonstrations/meetings earmarked decades ago be reviewed such that they do not hinder road traffic?

With a majority of people in favour of these views, the city police are seriously considering withdrawal of a handful of designated places of agitation in Madurai.

At an all-party meeting convened recently, Inspector-General and Commissioner of Police K. Nandabalan indicated that a few places such as Tamukkam (behind Nehru Statue), North-West Masi Junction and K. Pudur might have to be removed from the list of designated agitation points considering the congestion caused to vehicular movement.

However, representatives of various political parties not only opposed the move but sought one place in each of the 72 wards of the Madurai Corporation to be earmarked for agitation/demonstration.

“We have heard their views and a decision on this will be taken at a meeting to be held soon. We have planned to cancel some points which cause congestion. As of now, the old sites for organising agitations will continue,” Mr. Nandabalan said.

Agitations bringing traffic to a grinding halt are not uncommon in the temple city.

When members of a political party organised a demonstration on Scott Road (near Railway Station) recently, traffic was disrupted for an hour on all roads surrounding the area, including the New Jail Road, Girder Bridge subway, Raja Mill Road and West/North Veli Streets.

Slogan shouting cadres had taken to the roads with party flags.

“Demonstrations are organised to highlight the grievances of people and protect their interests. If they are held in remote areas, the spirit of such events is lost. Political parties do not organise demonstrations for their benefit… it is always in public interest,” says a functionary of All-India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. For agitations at designated places, organisers need to take police permission by applying five days in advance. Any gathering at places other than the designated points could be a punishable offence as it would be in violation of prohibitory orders that are in vogue in the city all through the year, a police official added.

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