Sunil Lohan
A group of six protesters led by city-based social activist Narasimha Murthy staged a peaceful protest outside the Election Commission office on Sunday,singing the national anthem while holding the Tricolour and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The protest is part of an ongoing campaign seeking Kumar’s resignation.The group has vowed to continue the protest every Sunday until its demands are met.
Police personnel from Halasurgate police station arrived at the spot and objected to the singing of the national anthem,citing a violation of rules,according to the protesters.
A senior police officer allegedly asked the protesters to delete the recording of the protest, claiming that it violated the rules,Narasimha Murthy said.
“We demanded that the officer give the direction in writing or state on record that we should not sing the National Anthem,”he said.
Murthy maintained that the protest was peaceful, with no slogans, placards or buntings.We are placing our demands peacefully through protest,”he added.
After completing the national anthem,the group walked to the War Memorial near Mysore Bank Circle,where they concluded the protest.
Murthy reiterated that the group would return to the same spot every Sunday until its demands were met.
A police officer said security had been deployed around the Election Commission office since the protests began.
Police personnel had been instructed to monitor the area and take action against any form of protest,the officer added.
