Pune and Solapur administrations have imposed prohibitory orders ahead of Bakrid, banning rallies, protests and public gatherings amid law-and-order concerns and fuel price protests.
Pune and Solapur have imposed prohibitory orders ahead of Bakrid amid concerns over law and order and growing protests linked to rising fuel prices across Maharashtra. In Pune, the city administration has enforced restrictions under Section 37 of the Maharashtra Police Act for 14 days, from May 26 to June 8.
The order bans public meetings, rallies, processions, protests and large gatherings across the Pune Police Commissionerate limits.Police officials said the move was aimed at preventing any untoward incident during Bakrid celebrations and amid heightened political agitation over repeated hikes in petrol and diesel prices.
According to the Pune Police order, carrying weapons, sticks, stones, inflammable substances or any object that could be used for violence has also been prohibited. Authorities have additionally barred provocative sloganeering, inflammatory speeches, burning of effigies and display of objectionable posters or banners during the restriction period.Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar clarified that the restrictions do not amount to a lockdown and described them as preventive measures commonly imposed during sensitive festivals and periods of unrest.
Clarifying the move, he said no special prohibitory orders have been issued restricting public movement. “People can move freely. These are the fortnightly orders that are regularly issued by the police. The orders are meant to prevent criminals from gathering in groups and causing harm to society or properties,” he said.
In Pimpri Chinchwad, Joint Commissioner of Police Shashikant Mahavarkar imposed prohibitory orders from 12 am on May 27 till midnight on June 9 as part of heightened security measures. Under the order, carrying inflammable or explosive materials, stones, firearms, weapons, sticks and sharp objects has been prohibited. Authorities have also banned the display or burning of effigies and photographs of individuals.
The order further bars provocative sloganeering, loud music, inflammatory speeches and the circulation of any material that could disturb law and order, threaten state security or impact public morality. Police have additionally prohibited gatherings of more than five persons, public meetings and processions without prior permission from the Police Commissioner.
Similar prohibitory orders have also come into force in Solapur city from midnight, with local authorities tightening security arrangements ahead of Bakrid.
Bakrid, or Eid al-Adha, is expected to be observed across India later this week, with police and civic bodies in several Maharashtra cities stepping up surveillance in sensitive areas following recent communal tensions and disputes linked to animal sacrifice and public gatherings.
The restrictions come at a time when Maharashtra has witnessed widespread protests over rising fuel prices. The Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) has already announced statewide protests against the hikes, accusing the government of burdening common citizens amid inflationary pressure.
https://www.timesnownews.com/pune/pune-solapur-restrictions-bakrid-fuel-price-protests-article-154399026