Admin to shift protest site from outside Raj Bhavan
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Ranchi: The district administration has decided to shift protest zone from outside Raj Bhavan to a new designated area near Naga Baba Khatal Vendor Market, citing traffic management challenges following the completion of the Ratu Road flyover.
Deputy commissioner Manjunath Bhajantri said, "With the Ratu Road flyover becoming operational, its ramp near Raj Bhavan has turned into a critical traffic point. Continuous sit-ins outside Raj Bhavan add to congestion. We are therefore relocating the protest site to manage traffic better while ensuring people's right to protest is protected."
The administration has identified a roadside patch beside Naga Baba Khatal, previously used for the Ranchi Municipal Corporation's night parking, as the new protest zone.
The space is situated just in front of the garbage transfer station in the area.
SDO Utkarsh Kumar said, "The Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and expression. Keeping that in mind, protestors will be provided a dedicated site for demonstrations. Transition has begun."
However, the move has drawn criticism from several people who feel the shift undermines the symbolic importance of protesting outside the Governor's office.
Rajmasih Tigga who was staging a sit-in for 100 consecutive days at the Raj Bhavan protest site said, "The relocation sidelines our voices and dilutes the impact of our demonstration."
Despite the objections, authorities said the decision is aimed at balancing civic order with citizens' democratic rights. The new site will soon be equipped with basic facilities to accommodate protestors, officials added.
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