Activists, writers urge CM Siddaramaiah to withdraw order curbing protests in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: Ahead of the International Day of Democracy on September 15, 2024, notable authors, activists along with progressive and democratic groups have urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to withdraw the order restricting protests to Freedom Park in Bengaluru.
The group released an open letter to the CM which was signed by more than 500 people, including historian Ramachandra Guha, senior writer K. Marulasiddappa, Rahamat Tarikere, Dr Vijayamma, activist K.S. Vimala, among others. The letter criticised the Licensing and Regulation of Protests, Demonstrations, and Protest Marches (Bengaluru City) Order, 2021, which confines protests to Freedom Park and mandates prior police approval.
Signatories noted that the order infringes upon freedom of speech and expression, leading to shrinking of democratic spaces. The open letter stated, “For over two years, the police have restricted protests in any place other than Freedom Park, and have refused permission for processions. This marks a complete change from what was previously being followed when protests were permitted across the city. More so, even in Freedom Park, the police is arbitrarily and unconstitutionally censoring what citizens can protest for/against.”
Writer-historian Ramachandra Guha criticised the order, suggesting that Freedom Park could be renamed to reflect its new role, such as “Where Freedom is Hidden Away Park” or “Unfreedom Park.” He emphasised that the order contradicts the foundational values of peaceful protest that were integral to India's independence movement.
In addition to requesting the withdrawal of the restrictive order, the letter called for the dismissal of FIRs filed against individuals exercising their right to protest and for a criminal investigation into police officers involved in the violent crackdown on protestors.
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Sambhal violence: Prohibitory orders issued, outsiders barred from entry till Nov 30
Sambhal (UP) (PTI): The district administration has imposed prohibitory orders and barred the entry of outsiders till November 30 after three men were killed and scores of others, including security and administration personnel, injured in a violence by protesters opposing a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque.
The order has been issued under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), said District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya late on Sunday.
"No outsiders, other social organisations or public representatives will enter the district border without the permission of the competent officer," said the order, which came into force with immediate effect.
Violation of the order will be punishable under Section 223 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the BNS.
Violence broke out in the district on Sunday as protesters opposing the survey of the Jama Masjid clashed with security personnel. The protesters torched vehicles and pelted the police with stones while the security personnel used tear gas and batons to disperse the mob.
Divisional Commissioner (Moradabad) Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said on Sunday, "Shots were fired by miscreants... the PRO of the superintendent of police suffered a gunshot to the leg, the circle officer was hit by pellets and 15 to 20 security personnel were injured in the violence."
A constable also suffered a serious head injury while the deputy collector fractured his leg.
"Three people, identified as Naeem, Bilal and Nauman, have been killed," Singh said.
Twenty-one people, including two women, have been detained and a probe has been launched, the official had said, adding that those accused in the violence would be booked under the stringent National Security Act (NSA).
District Magistrate Rajender Pensiya said, "The casualty count stands at three. The reason for the deaths of two is clear -- bullet wounds from countrymade pistols. The reason for the death of the third person is not clear but it will be after post-mortem."
Internet services were soon suspended in Sambhal tehsil for 24 hours and the district administration declared a holiday in all schools for Monday.
Tension had been brewing in Sambhal since November 19 when the Jama Masjid was first surveyed on the court's orders following a petition claiming that a Harihar temple had stood at the site.
Trouble started early on Sunday when a large group of people gathered near the mosque and started shouting slogans as the survey team began its work.
District officials said the survey could not be completed on Tuesday and was planned for Sunday to avoid interference with afternoon prayers.
Supreme Court lawyer Vishnu Shankar Jain, who is a petitioner in the case, had earlier said the Court of Civil Judge (Senior Division) ordered the constitution of an "advocate commission" to survey the mosque.
The court has said a report should be filed after conducting a videography and photography survey through the commission, he had said.
On Sunday, Jain urged the Archaeological Survey of India to take control of the "temple".
Gopal Sharma, a local lawyer for the Hindu side, had earlier claimed the temple that once stood at the site was demolished by Mughal Emperor Babur in 1529.
