Dharwad: Thousands of job aspirants and student organisations had planned a major demonstration in Dharwad on April 14 to press for the recruitment of 2.84 lakh vacant government positions.
The call was supported by farmers' groups and several left-wing organisations. However, police from the suburban station refused permission, pointing to previous protests that had caused unpleasant incidents and inconvenience to the public. Despite the denial, protest leaders announced they would proceed anyway. Five key leaders, including Yallappa Hegde and Nagaraj, were detained by police near Jayanagar Circle as they attempted to take to the streets.
The protest was planned under the slogan "Our March Towards Bhim" coinciding with Ambedkar Jayanti. Earlier, similar agitations in September last year and February this year had brought parts of Dharwad to a standstill, including a road blockade near Jubilee Circle. Following those events, police had denied permission.
The All Karnataka Students' Organisation had approached the High Court, which allowed a limited protest of up to 100 people at Nehru Maidan in Hubballi with prior intimation to police.
District In-Charge Minister Santosh Lad reacted by saying the state government had already responded to the demands, questioning the need for continued protests. He added that while he supports the cause of job seekers, repeated agitations even after government response are questionable. Some Dalit organisations had also opposed holding the protest on Ambedkar Jayanti. Police action has now drawn accusations of suppressing the protest movement.