Police arrest leaders to prevent job aspirants’ protest; action condemned

The proposed protest by job aspirants seeking a recruitment drive to fill up vacancies and to press for various other demands did not take place in Dharwad on Wednesday as the Police foiled their attempt by taking into custody the leaders of various organisations before they could proceed to the protest venue.

The incident has led to widespread criticism, with various organisations, including AIDSO, AIDYO, AIMSS, Raita Sena Karnataka, AIKKMS, AIUTUC and others strongly condemning the incident and terming it a murder of democratic right to protest.

It is the third time in the last ten days that the police have foiled the attempt by the government job aspirants to take out a rally in Dharwad. The proposed protest rally was to be held under the aegis of “Udyogakankshigala Horata Vedike” on Wednesday, and the police arrested the leaders of various organisations from various locations in Dharwad before they could proceed to the protest venue. Attempt to hold a press conference was also prevented with the office bearers being taken into custody.

After failed attempt to hold protest on December 1 demanding recruitments following denial of permission from Police, the leaders had announced holding another protest rally on December 10. And this time various organisations including farmers’ organization had extended support to the call.

But the police again denied permission for the rally, saying it could cause law and order problems. As the leaders of various organisations had announced that they would hold the protest despite the denial of permission, the Police made the arrests at different locations, including Sanmati Road, where the office of a few organisations is located. As per police sources, around 15 persons including few women were taken into custody on charges of trying to hold protest despite permission being denied.

The general public had to face hardships as the police had barricaded several junctions as a precautionary measure between Karnatak College Circle and Srinagar Circle and diverted the traffic.

The denial of permission from the police and subsequent arrest of various office bearers led to widespread criticism and, subsequently, in the evening, representatives of the organisations submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner of Dharwad. They also released statements condemning the police action and termed it a violation of human rights on Human Rights Day.