Cops to be out in force, schools to remain open

As part of security measures, the police (below) have decided to use plastic bullets to disperse violent crowds

Intel Fears Violence In Karnataka

Yogesh Naik & Mateen Hafeez TNN

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government deployed unprecedented security measures across the state and secured state borders to ensure there is no communal disturbance, but refused to shut down educational institutions.

Police officials said they have received intelligence reports that communal trouble could brew in BJP-controlled Karnataka and have told collectors and police superintendents in Kolhapur and Solapur to be on constant alert.

On Wednesday, home minister R R Patil held a meeting with additional chief secretary (home) Chandra Iyengar, home secretary (special) Praveen Dixit, director-general of police D Sivanandhan and police commissioner Sanjeev Dayal at Mantralaya for three hours to map out a security plan. Patil later told reporters: “We have heightened the bandobast. I do not think there will be any trouble in the state. Maharashtra suffered a lot in the ’92-93 riots and the subsequent bomb blasts. No one wants a riot. I am confident that the state will be peaceful.”

Mumbai joint police commissioner (law and order) Rajnish Seth said: “In view of the verdict, a general alert has been sounded.”

But the government ruled out shutting down schools, and said the final decision has to be taken by the educational institutions themselves. “In case we get an intimation from the government in the morning or we find the situation unsafe, we will declare a holiday for the afternoon school,’’ said Fr George Athaide, principal of St Michael’s High School in Mahim. Avabai Petit Girls High School in Bandra, though, has decided to close after 1 pm. “We don’t want to take any chances. Anyway our students have their examinations Monday onwards, so this will give them extra time to study,’’ said principal Sandhya Balakrishnan.

The city police have served notice to about 1,200 troublemakers under section 149 of CrPC, warning them to refrain from indulging in any activity that causes law and order problems. So far, over 4,000 preventive arrests have been made, Seth added. Officials said the police will use plastic bullets to disperse troublemakers.

“Prohibitory orders were also issued under section 144 of CrPC, putting restrictions on the assembly of people and preventing people from carrying out any activity that hurts religious sentiments of a community” Seth said.

Patil said the government met various political and religious leaders last week and everyone promised to maintain peace, barring the MNS.

On Wednesday, chief minister Ashok Chavan cancelled this week’s cabinet meeting and asked all of them to go to their respective district. Home minister R R Patil will stay behind in Mantralaya and monitor the situation from there.

In a bid to ensure peace, the government has banned bursting of firecrackers and celebration of the verdict. The home department has also told not to float rumours or send incendiary text messages. Thursday and Friday have been declared dry days and all bars have been ordered to remain shut.

Judgment Day The government ruled out shutting down schools, but said the final decision has to be taken by educational institutions

Home minister R R Patil withdrew the government advisory warning people against travel and urged citizens to attend work

The administration asked Mumbaikars to report suspicious incidents to the police

All ruling party legislators and ministers have been told to travel to their districts

A ban has been imposed on celebration of the jugdment and bursting firecrackers

Citizens have been warned not to float rumours or send incendiary text messages, which might be screened by the police

Thursday and Friday have been declared dry days and all bars have been ordered to stay shut

The Times of India, September 30, 2010