Shiv Sena protests helmet rule on PCB terrain,Army unmoved

As reported first by Newsline on August 1,helmets will be made compulsory within the PCB limits starting September 1. The rule will be implemented by joint teams of Army personnel and police.

Sena workers took out a rally,symbolising funeral of helmets,from Bhople Chowk to the PCB office to protest against the rule.

“The roads in PCB are narrow. When the vehicles are travelling at a speed of 18 km/hour,why do we need helmets,” said workers. Shiv Sena members also met K V Nagi Reddy,CEO,PCB.

“This is to clarify that so far PCB has not taken any decision on making helmets compulsory for the roads/localities falling under its jurisdiction. It is understood that LMA and DCP (traffic) have decided to impose such restrictions in military areas of the Cantonment. The office of the Cantonment Board has approached Station Cell to issue clarifications on which Army roads and military areas the use of helmet is being made compulsory,” said a PCB statement.

Brigadier M S Jaswal,Deputy General Officer Commanding,Pune Sub Area,said,“The Army is resolute that the helmet compulsion is for public safety and in cognisance with the Supreme Court directives.” It is learnt that the protesters are likely to meet LMA officials on Tuesday.