Dharwad (Karnataka), Dec 1 (NationPress) Over 35 job seekers, including women, were apprehended on Monday as police intervened to disperse a protest in Dharwad city, where demonstrators demanded the Congress-led government to promptly address more than two lakh vacant positions.

The protesters, made up of enthusiastic young individuals, gathered at Srinagar Circle, brandishing banners and raising slogans to urge immediate action regarding the stalled recruitments.

The demonstration was organized by Janasamanyara Vedike alongside various other groups advocating for job seekers.

Despite lacking official permission, approximately 200 students and protesters convened on Monday morning and subsequently attempted to march towards the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

Authorities stated that the protesters had not received the necessary consent for the gathering. Following warnings, police officers escorted several individuals into an RTC bus and transported them to an undisclosed site.

Hubballi–Dharwad Police Commissioner N. Shashikumar confirmed that the protest lacked official approval.

“The organizers sought permission for a large-scale protest but did not provide adequate details,” he mentioned.

He noted that the organizers claimed around 30,000 students would participate, and some postgraduate students expressed intentions to stage an overnight sit-in and potentially block junctions.

The Commissioner emphasized that police had repeatedly requested clarity from the organizers.

“We inquired about the leadership of the protest and expected participation numbers. There are approximately 80,000 students in the area, along with numerous schools, colleges, and hospitals. Local residents also contribute to the large population,” he pointed out.

Shashikumar stressed that the significant student presence renders the area particularly sensitive. “In such locations, there is a risk of miscreants exploiting the situation. If anything were to escalate, it could lead to a law-and-order crisis. Hence, the protest permission was denied,” he explained.

He added that the organizers were warned beforehand that any assembly would be deemed unlawful. “If even a single person makes a mistake, all will bear the consequences. The government has already issued directives in this matter,” he stated.

“There are numerous coaching centers along that route. To prevent escalation, we took them into preventive custody,” he noted.

A total of 35 individuals, including female job aspirants, were detained as a precautionary measure, he confirmed.

In response to claims that police were stifling the protest, Shashikumar remarked: “There is no intent to suppress anyone. Everyone has the right to protest, but it must adhere to legal regulations.”

He recalled previous demonstrations where some individuals had shouted inappropriate slogans and obstructed the busy Jubilee Circle, causing public inconvenience.