Dharwad: A protest rally planned by job aspirants under the banner of Akhila Karnataka Vidyarthigala Sanghatane, demanding immediate steps to fill up various vacant posts in govt departments, was called off Monday after police denied permission, citing potential law and order issues.This denial comes on the heels of a similar protest on Sept 25, which caused significant traffic disruptions and inconvenience to the public. Since then, authorities have repeatedly denied permission for such rallies. On Dec 1, police stopped a rally planned by the Udyogakankshigala Vedike, initially by denying permission and later by arresting around 40 protesters as a preventive measure.Undeterred, the Udyogakankshigala Vedike has announced plans to hold another rally on Dec 10, with support from Raitha Sangha, various labour unions, and other student organisations. However, police are unlikely to grant permission for this protest as well.In a surprising development, leaders from Jaya Karnataka, Bhim Shakti, and other organisations submitted a memorandum to police urging them to not give permission for the rally. These leaders claimed the protests were politically motivated and warned that allowing them would disrupt daily life and create law and order issues. The memorandum was personally received by the Hubballi-Dharwad police commissioner and the additional deputy commissioner at Suburban police station Sunday.Expressing disappointment, Kantaraj, state president of Akhila Karnataka Vidyarthigala Sanghatane, emphasised that the rally, intended from Srinagar Circle to the DC’s office, had been organised peacefully but still permission was denied. He also criticised the intervention of Jaya Karnataka and Bhim Shakti leaders, accusing them of pressuring police to deny permission for the rally.Heavy bandobastAs a precautionary measure, police had set up barricades at key junctions between Karnatak College Circle and Srinagar Circle, diverting traffic. The heavy restrictions caused frustration among commuters, who had to take alternate routes to reach their destinations.
