Gaurav Gupta, former General Secretary of Chamber of Commerce and Industry Jammu, expressed deep concern over the frequent blocking of roads and bridges in Jammu due to protests and demonstrations. Highlighting the severe inconvenience caused to the public, he stressed the need for a more structured approach to public demonstrations to ensure minimal disruption to daily life.
While addressing the issue, Gaurav Gupta stated, “Blocking roads and bridges during protests creates immense hardship for the common people. Many face medical emergencies, miss important meetings, flights, and trains, or struggle to pick up their children from schools on time. Such situations not only inconvenience the public but also tarnish the purpose of the protests.”
Drawing inspiration from the models implemented by various state and union territory governments, Gaurav suggested, “Protests are organized at designated locations like Jantar Mantar, Ram Leela Ground, and Bhurari Ground in Delhi, Azad Maidan and Exhibition Ground in Goregaon, Mumbai, Rally Ground Sec 25 in Chandigarh, Eco Garden in Lucknow (U.P.), and Freedom Park in Bangalore, allowing people to voice their concerns without causing significant inconvenience to others.
Jammu can also adopt a similar framework to balance democratic rights and public convenience.”
Appealing to the Lt Governor of J&K, Sh Manoj Sinha, Gaurav his Administration to allocate a specific area where individuals, organizations, or political parties can hold protests and demonstrations. “A dedicated protest site would allow people to raise their voices effectively while ensuring that essential services and the smooth flow of traffic are not disrupted,” he added.
He further called upon citizens to exercise their democratic rights responsibly. “While everyone has the right to protest, blocking roads and bridges affects thousands of innocent people who are not part of the protest. I appeal to everyone to avoid such practices and consider alternative ways to make their voices heard,” he remarked.
Gaurav Gupta emphasized that striking a balance between the right to protest and maintaining public convenience is essential for a harmonious society. He assured that his suggestions are not against protests but aimed at ensuring that these important expressions of democracy do not inadvertently harm the very people they are intended to support.
The former General Secretary expressed hope that the administration and the public would work together to implement this vision for a more organized and considerate approach to protests in Jammu.
