As reported by the news agency PTI, the Hyderabad Police on Monday issued prohibitory orders on procession, dharnas and public meetings till November 28.
“Reliable information has been placed before him that several organisations/parties are trying to create disturbances affecting public peace and order in Hyderabad city, by resorting to dharnas and protests,” Hyderabad Police commissioner C V Anand told PTI.
“Individuals/groups of individuals are prohibited from making any speeches, gestures or displaying pictures, any symbols, placards, flags and any type of messages of electronic form etc., which is likely to cause disturbance to public peace and order in the limits of Hyderabad and Secunderabad,” the notification said.
Peaceful dharnas and protests are allowed only at Indira Park Dharna Chowk, and any dharna or protest anywhere else in Hyderabad and Secunderabad is not permitted, the notification read according to PTI.
The public is advised that individuals violating these orders, particularly near the Secretariat and other sensitive areas, will face prosecution under relevant penal provisions.
The order will remain in force from 6 PM on October 27 to 6 PM on November 28, it said.
The order exempts police officials, military personnel on duty, genuine funeral processions, education department flying squads, and individuals or groups authorized by competent authorities.
These prohibitory orders were issued just a day before the festive week, which includes Dhanteras, Chhoti Diwali, Diwali, and Goverdhan Puja.
BJP Opposes the Move
The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party has criticized the move, claiming it is a conspiracy by the ruling Congress government to limit Hindu celebrations during the festivals.
Andhra Pradesh’s BJP vice president Vishnu Vardhan Reddy posted on X,”First, #Congress imposed Section 144 in Hyderabad and Secunderabad ahead of Diwali, restricting gatherings and movement. Then, Congress’s official handles mocked Hindus by wishing them Diwali in this way. Although they have deleted the post, it has revealed their true intentions and hatred for Hindus.”
BJP’s Telangana unit treasurer Shanthikumar too opposed the move, saying,”Once again, Hindus are being restricted from celebrating their festivals freely in Congress-ruled #Telangana. Just before Diwali, Section 144 is imposed in Hyderabad, curbing gatherings and processions.”
