Mangaluru: Police book anti-Israeli protesters for 'unlawful assembly', contravention of orders
Mangaluru: An FIR had been registered against members of CPI-CPM and like-minded organizations for protesting against Israeli attacks on Palestinians near clock tower in Mangaluru city limits, a report stated on Wednesday.
On Monday, CPM-CPI and like-minded organizations had organized a protest against Israel's continued assaults on the civilians in Gaza and other parts of Palestine. Terming the attacks a genocide, the protesters had demanded a cease-fire to the year-long conflict. Condemning US assistance to the brutal conflict that has taken the lives of more than half a million people, they had urged the Indian government to continue its historical pro-Palestinian policy and stop helping Israel.
However, as the Mangaluru DCP had denied permission for both the protest and using of mike, the protest was held without using any microphones. Based on a complaint filed by ASI Praveen K, an FIR has been registered at the Mangalore South Police station against the protesters for unlawful assembly and contravention of orders.
The complaint states that the protesters had raised slogans and made speeches despite the denial of permission for the same. Along with CPI leaders Munir Katipalla and Sunil Kumar Bajal, the FIR also names Nagesh Kotian, Vasanth Achari, Yadav Shetty, Sukumar Rao, Imthiyaz, Santhosh Bajal, Yogesh Jeppinamogaru, Hayavadana Rao and Seetharama Berinje.
Responding to the FIR, CPM leader Vasanth Achari stated that every citizen of the country had a right to protest. The current action of the police had made democracy seem meaningless, he said. "Protesting against violence, wherever it might happen, is essential. Siddaramaiah led Congress government is making a mistake in such matters. This makes it clear that when the BJP declares open support to Israel, Congress is indirectly doing the same. We feel doubts regarding the existence of a Congress government in the state. When the leftist parties were engaged in protest against Israeli atrocities, the Congress government should have provided protection, and not try to silence them by registering cases. This is highly condemnable", he stated.
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No unannounced load shedding in Kerala, outages due to overload, says Minister
Palakkad (PTI): Kerala Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty on Saturday said there was no unannounced load shedding in the state, attributing recent power interruptions to temporary overload caused by high consumption.
Clarifying concerns raised from various parts of the state, the minister said the disruptions are not deliberate but occur when demand peaks, particularly between 10 pm and 11 pm.
"It is not being done intentionally. Power consumption has risen sharply, and when there is excessive and indiscriminate usage, the system experiences overload, leading to natural supply interruptions," he told reporters here.
His remarks come amid complaints that several areas have been witnessing frequent power cuts, often lasting around 15 minutes and occurring multiple times during the night.
Krishnankutty said the state's power demand has crossed 6,195 MW, putting pressure on the supply system. He added that around 70 per cent of Kerala's electricity is procured from outside, and existing power banking arrangements have been exhausted.
"We have approached the Regulatory Commission seeking permission to purchase more power. However, this will come at a higher cost," he said.
The minister said the government is trying to avoid increasing electricity tariffs and urged consumers to exercise restraint in usage to help manage the situation.
Responding to opposition criticism over the ruling LDF's earlier claims of a decade without power cuts, he said the current situation is not unique to Kerala.
A power crisis is emerging across the country, he said, and sarcastically asked the Opposition to take note of the role of natural factors in this.
Krishnankutty expressed confidence that the situation would improve within two days, while cautioning that long-term energy security would depend on enhancing in-state power generation.
He also warned that future generations could face serious challenges if adequate electricity production capacity is not developed within Kerala.
