📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / J. P. Warburton (Ludhiana Police superintendent)
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Police Disperse Power‑Cut Protest in Ludhiana, Industry Voices Outrage
✍️ Amar Ujala · Ludhiana
🗓 02 Oct 2026, 12:01 AM
👁 8
Police intervened to break up a protest against frequent power outages in Ludhiana, prompting strong backlash from local manufacturers.
Ludhiana police on Tuesday moved in to disperse a gathering of workers and business representatives who were demanding an end to repeated power cuts that have hampered production across the city. The protest, organized by several industrial associations, blocked a major thoroughfare near the city’s manufacturing hub for several hours before law enforcement used crowd‑control measures to clear the area.
Officials said the demonstration turned unruly, with participants refusing to disperse despite repeated warnings. Police deployed water cannons and made several arrests to restore order, citing concerns for public safety and traffic disruption.
The crackdown has ignited anger among Ludhiana’s industrial community, which argues that unreliable electricity is costing firms millions in lost output. Business leaders have called for an urgent dialogue with the state electricity board and have warned of possible strikes if the situation does not improve.
State authorities have yet to comment on the police action, but the electricity department has promised to review supply issues in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, industry groups are planning a follow‑up meeting to press for concrete remedial measures.
Officials said the demonstration turned unruly, with participants refusing to disperse despite repeated warnings. Police deployed water cannons and made several arrests to restore order, citing concerns for public safety and traffic disruption.
The crackdown has ignited anger among Ludhiana’s industrial community, which argues that unreliable electricity is costing firms millions in lost output. Business leaders have called for an urgent dialogue with the state electricity board and have warned of possible strikes if the situation does not improve.
State authorities have yet to comment on the police action, but the electricity department has promised to review supply issues in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, industry groups are planning a follow‑up meeting to press for concrete remedial measures.