Chandigarh: The city women took out a protest march late in the night to drive home the message they were "free to move around at any time".

Chandigarh: The city women took out a protest march late in the night to drive home the message they were "free to move around at any time".

Starting at 11 p.m. on Friday from the Chandigarh Rose Garden in Sector 16, the march passed through the markets of Sector 10 and 11 - well known as the 'Geri Route' (where youth make rounds on their vehicles).

Taking out the 'Bekhauf Azadi March' (freedom without fear march), the young and old said they were reclaiming the streets from "stalkers and elitist goons here".

The protesters held candles, posters and placards to highlight the harassment, lewd gestures and comments and even instances of molestation that women and girls face at the hands of men on the city streets here.

"We have taken to the streets to give a message to everyone that women are free to move around at any time and cannot be forced to face harassment from men," activist Amy Singh said.