CHANDIGARH, JULY 25: The protest by several Sikh organisations against the decision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court making helmets compulsory for women in the city, continued today.The members of these organisations took out a protest march from the Sectors 34 and 39 gurdwaras in the city, with women driving two-wheelers and riding pillion without helmets. The police erected barricades to prevent the protesters from entering Sector 24, which houses residences of a few judges. The activists also raised slogans against the "black law".The president of the local unit of SAD, Gurpartap Singh Riar, has criticised the attitude of the city police and said that a major protest march would be taken out tomorrow from the Sector 29 gurdwara.Meanwhile, the members of the Sikh Nari Manch have decided to stage a demonstration in Sector 17 plaza tomorrow to condemn the "black law".The Chandigarh District Congress Committee (Urban) has also asked the administration to reconsider its decision on making helmets mandatory for women. In a statement, its president P. C. Puri said that the fundamental rights of the citizens of India should be safeguarded. "Public should be educated to wear helmets of their own will," he said. "The governement can achieve its aim ofpublic safety by amending the Insurance Act which would disallow compensation or claim to any victim receiving head injury while driving without helmets," he added.CTCC secretary Sandeep Singh has also demanded from the Chandigarh Administration withdrawal of the order which is hurting the sentiments of Sikhs. In a statement, Nationalist Congress Party has also asked the administration to reconsider its decision and threatened to launch an agitation against the decision.Former MP P. K. Bansal has urged the Chandigarh Administration to immediately withdraw the order requiring women to wear helmets while driving or pillion riding two wheelers in the city.Bansal said besides offending Sikh sentiments the requirement is causing a lot of inconvenience to women in general, particularly those carrying children. Bansal added that helmets could be avoided by adhering to other road safety norms. He called for the passing of a legislation to find a permanent solution to the issue.
