HC verdict: 3-day ban orders in Udupi from September 24

District administration takes all precautionary steps to maintain peace

Prohibitory orders under Section 144 will be imposed from 6 am on Friday to midnight on September 26 in the district.

Addressing mediapersons after attending the peace committee meeting here on Wednesday, Deputy Commissioner Hemalatha said the heads of religious institutions and political parties have expressed confidence over maintaining peace. As many as 31 peace committee meeting were held at police station levels till date. Peace committee meets are held at taluk and sub division levels too.

Celebrations and protests are banned during the period. Inciting and provoking statements via SMSes or individually will not be entertained. Stringent actions will be taken against those who go against law, she said.

Bursting of crackers are banned and is considered as violation of Section 144. September 24 to 26 will be declared as dry days, which prohginits the sale of liquor.
Vehicles using flags are also banned on these three days. Possession of weapons is considered as offense.

 Schools will remain closed on September 24 and 25, she informed.
The DC said that media should not blow up the issues. Responsible reporting is the need of hour and sensational coverage such as breaking news should be avoided.

Security
Superintendent of Police Pravin Pawar said that nearly two third of district police personnel will be deployed to maintain peace. Sending provoking SMSes is a non bailable offence. Police are equipped with sophisticated technology to trace the originator of the SMSes. As many as 247 sensitive areas have been identified in the district.

As many as 3 DySPs, 9 Inspectors, 28 PSIs, 45 ASIs, 356 Head Constables and Constables, 250 Home Guards will be deployed for the purpose of security.

About 3 KSRP platoons, 8 DAR platoons will be deployed along with intensive patrolling in the district. Two Emergency Combat Units, 60 mobile patrolling units and 17 check posts have been set up across the district, he added.
Earlier speaking at the Peace Committee meeting, Karkala MLA Gopal Bhandary said: “We should accept the Court verdict as it is. Whatever may be the verdict, we should not disturb the peace.”

Udupi MLA Raghupathy Bhat said organisations and institutions should not indulge in any sort of celebrations or protests against the verdict. MLC Prathapchandra Shetty said special attention should be paid in order to maintain harmony. Each individual should co-operate with district administration to maintain peace, he added.

ZP CEO N Rajashekhar said Peace Committees should be active. Besides, active involvement of all individuals in peace process is also very essential, he said.
ZP President Gladys Almeida, Congress leader Pramodh Madhwaraj, District Minorities Forum president Abdul Rasheed Khatheeb, Mothers of Sorrows Church religious Head Rev Fr Alvin Noronha and others were present.
DH News Service