Mumbai Police impose prohibitory orders after NCP (SP) protest

Mumbai Police on Monday issued prohibitory orders barring assembly of five or more persons in public places from July 23 to August 6, as reported by PTI.

The order comes soon after tha Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) held a protest outside Mumbai University against alleged action by police on those taking part in the Cockroach Janta Party-led march to Parliament and the removal of activist Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar amid his hunger strike.

The protestors also demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in connection with alleged irregularities in the education sector and exam paper leaks.

The protest, led by NCP (SP) Mumbai unit president and former MLA Milind Anna Kamble, saw the participation of party workers and students, who raised slogans against the Centre. He said that the police action against peaceful protesters is an attack on democracy, and further accused the Centre of suppressing dissent.

"If the government fails to act, the youth of the country will respond democratically and hold it accountable," Kamble said.

With the prohibitory orders in place, the officials, as quoted by PTI, stated that the move is due to apprehensions of breach of peace and disturbance to public tranquillity. The order also prohibits processions, use of loudspeakers and amplifying instruments, musical bands and bursting of crackers in processions etc.

"The restrictions will remain in force from 12.01 am on July 23 until midnight on August 6 across the areas under the jurisdiction of the Commissioner of Police of Mumbai," the order said.