Hit by frequent protests, Punjab industry pitches for peace

With Punjab being hit by a spate of protests over numerous issues, several industry bodies today pitched for peace and tranquility saying the state's image was being affected due to the agitations and may keep new investors at bay.
"Efforts need to be made to ensure peace and tranquility in the state at all cost as everyday protests are set to hurt Punjab's image and will keep new investors at bay," Federation of Indian Export Organisation President S C Ralhan said today.
"The state government should put in its best efforts to maintain law and order in the state," said Ralhan, who is a Ludhiana-based handtool maker.

The industry pointed out that their buyers were reluctant to visit Punjab for new deals in the wake of protests being held in the state. "My 2-3 dealers were supposed to visit my factory yesterday. But they postponed their visit in view of ongoing agitation and protest at several places in Punjab," United Cycle & Parts Manufacturers Association president Charanjit Singh Vishavkarma said.
He further said many workers and labourers, who had gone back to their native places, were reluctant to join back work.
"The industry is facing losses because of protests and agitations and they must end," Singh said adding that the state government must make efforts to normalize the situation which is turbulent at this moment.

The associations demanded that those who were behind the heinous act of sacrilege be apprehended and punished.
Notably, Punjab is set to organize second Progressive Punjab Investors Summit on October 28 and 29 as part of its efforts to bring new investments into the state.
Punjab had faced protest and agitations on different issues including Dera Sacha Sauda followers protesting non-screening of movie MSG -2 featuring the sect head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in theaters across the state, protest by Sikh activists over the pardoning of Sirsa-based Dera head, a week-long Rail Roko agitation by farmers followed by ongoing protests which erupted in the wake of alleged incidents of sacrilege of holy book.