In view of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Elections on February 2 in the twin cities, Hyderabad City Police Commissioner M. Mahendar Reddy, IPS, reviewed the law and order situation in the State capital on Friday.
With a view to maintain public order, peace and tranquillity in the twin cites of Hyderabad and Secunderabad during the elections, the Police Commissioner issued orders prohibiting assembly of persons and any kind of processions. He also prohibited carrying of sticks, with or without flags, lathis, fire arms, or any other weapons which can be used as weapons for offence or defence by persons in processions, big gathering or meetings within a radius of one K.M. from the polling stations. The prohibitory order will be in force from 1600 hours on January 31 to 0600 hours on February 3.
He also prohibited erection of temporary structures like shamianas, pandals, Khannath and so on on thoroughfares, public places and all other places where public throng. Use of mikes and public address system by anybody or parties in the entire twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad are also prohibited. Music, singing or speeches or broadcasting through speakers or any other instruments, making a speech, gesture or mimetic representation, exhibition or dissemination of pictures, symbols, placards or any other thing which is likely to create religious animosity or hatred between different communities or individuals or is likely to bring about commission of an offence of disturbance to or contempt of the law or of a lawful authority are also prohibited strictly.
However, police officers on duty, Military/Para Military personnel, Home Guards, Election Officers are exempted from the operation of this order. He warned the public that any person violating the prohibitory order shall be liable for prosecution. (NSS)