Protest over pollution in Ludhiana's Buddha Nullah: 150 detained, CIA-3 in-charge Navdeep sustains injury
PTC Web Desk: Protests against the persistent pollution in Ludhiana's Buddha Nullah escalated on Tuesday as the police detained several leaders and demonstrators heading towards the city. The situation turned tense as the police resorted to baton charges, leading to clashes between officials and protesters.
During the altercation, CIA-3 in-charge Navdeep sustained a head injury. The police have detained over 150 persons so far. Ludhiana Police Commissioner Kuldeep Chahal also reached the site to assess the situation. Meanwhile, protesters retaliated by blocking the Ludhiana-Ferozepur highway, causing widespread disruptions. To curb communication, the police have deployed mobile network jammers in key areas of protest.
Prominent leaders, including Lakha Sidhana, were taken into custody. Other detainees include Titu Baniya from Ludhiana, Roman Barad from Ferozepur, Mohinder Singh from Moga, and several others from Faridkot. Sidhana had recently called for a mass movement to shut down the polluted Buddha Nullah, rallying support from local and industrial groups. The police have also detained Sukh Jagraon, a close aide of Lakha Sidhana, from Jagraon.
Under the banner of 'Kala Pani Da Morcha', an organisation formed to address Buddha Nullah pollution and water contamination, nearly 1,500 protesters from Rajasthan arrived in Ludhiana. The group highlighted the severe impact of chemical-laden water from Buddha Nullah merging into the Sutlej, which eventually reaches Rajasthan. According to the group, hundreds of people in Rajasthan have fallen ill due to consuming contaminated water.
In anticipation of the protests, the Ludhiana police deployed over 2,000 personnel across city borders and sensitive locations, with instructions to prevent any breach of law and order.
Security has also been tightened at all Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs) and industrial units. DCP Jaskaran Singh Teja assured strict action against anyone attempting to disrupt peace. “We will not allow anyone to spoil the atmosphere of the city,” he stated.
- PTC NEWS
