CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Delhi: New Delhi. Delhi Police refused permission for an agitation by LPG distributors at CBD Ground in Shahdara, east Delhi, citing the festival season and law-and-order concerns. Distributors from across the country had gathered for a protest on October 26 against the central government’s policies promoting piped natural gas (PNG). Despite the police restriction, protesters assembled on the road outside the ground with their demands.

According to police, a large number of people were expected to take part in the protest. Officials had estimated a gathering of about 2,000 to 4,000 people. Permission for the protest was not granted in view of security and other events during the festival period. Shahdara Deputy Commissioner of Police Rajendra Prasad Meena also confirmed that permission had not been given for the agitation.

Demand to increase commission and withdraw PNG policy

Led by the LPG Distributors Association of India, the protesters demanded an increase in distributors’ commission, a review of administrative charges and home delivery charges, and withdrawal of the policy related to mandatory PNG connections. The association says long-expected changes have not been made in commission and other charges, while policies promoting PNG are feared to affect the LPG distribution business.

According to representatives of the association, they had earlier sought permission to protest at Jantar Mantar. However, after Jantar Mantar was removed from the list of designated protest sites, they had to look for an alternative venue. As Ramlila Maidan was already booked, the organisers booked CBD Ground.

Police and organisers differ over permission

The organisers objected to not being granted permission for the protest despite having paid for the ground booking. On the other hand, police and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) say the ground was booked as a social-cultural event and that the required permission for a protest had not been obtained.

The association has warned that if a decision on the demand to increase commission is not taken by November 25, distributors across the country may go on an indefinite strike. Amid this dispute, attention will now be on the next steps of the authorities concerned regarding the distributors’ demands and the issue of permission for the protest.

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