PANJIM: With the administration bracing up to ensure free and fair elections, the district magistrate (North) has imposed a ban on Sri Ram Sene chief Pramod Muthalik entering the State for two months in a bid to maintain law and order during the poll process. The 60-day ban starting from January 17 also includes Muthalik’s associates, as per an order issued by North Goa District Magistrate Nila Mohanan on Monday.

Referring to the elections, the order states, “If Muthalik or any of its (his) associates are not prevented from entering the State, it could lead to serious law and order problem. Muthalik’s aggressive statements will certainly affect peace, harmony and create fear in the minds of public and tourists.”

The magistrate also took cognizance of a police report stating that the entry of associations/members of Sri Ram Sene and Muthalik’s aggressive statements and comments could hurt the feelings of certain groups and create possibility of violence and serious law and order problems.

The District Magistrate in the north and south has already barred Sri Ram Sene leaders from entering the State since 2014 with the ban period extended every 60 days.