PANJIM: Anticipating a law and order problem in view of the upcoming Supreme Court verdict in the Ayodhya case, the North District Collector on Thursday imposed Section 144 of the CrPC, banning the gathering of more than five persons, as well as prohibiting processions/rallies without permission from the district magistrate.
The order will remain in force for a month, and also bans carrying weapons or firearms such as lathis, swords, daggers or spears, etc. “The use of loudspeakers or amplified sounds in public places without permission of competent authority, shouting of slogans in public places/streets, burning of fire crackers in public places/streets, etc, is prohibited,” the order signed by additional collector (North) Vikas Gaunekar states.
The order comes apprehending the possibility of processions and/or protests that could disturb the peace and tranquillity within the district. “It has come to the knowledge of the undersigned that the verdict in landmark ‘Ayodhya case’ before the Supreme Court is expected to be delivered in the coming days and upon delivery of the verdict there are chances of communal disharmony. There is possibility of processions and/or protests by various groups which is likely to disturb peace and tranquillity within the district of North Goa,” the order said, adding that it is expedient to take urgent preventive measures to prevent possible violence, disturbance and law and order issues.
He also directed that prohibitions will not apply to public servants on duty and to the bonafide marriage or funeral processions, or any special occasions or occasions which in the opinion of sub divisional magistrates are genuine and for which prior permission is obtained.
In the coming weeks, Goa will be hosting the International Film Festival of India, as well as the novenas in preparation for the feast of St Francis Xavier, both of which draw huge numbers of people.
