Kochi cops step up vigil to ensure a peaceful hartal
KOCHI: The police have stepped up security in view of the statewide hartal called by Dalit outfits on Monday in protest against the alleged ‘dilution’ of SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.City Police Commissioner M P Dinesh said the police have taken all measures to prevent untoward incidents on the hartal day. “We will provide protection to KSRTC buses and private vehicles if required,” he said.
A ‘warning’ statement reportedly made by Gothra Mahasabha leader M Geethanandan that buses plying on the hartal day will face the consequences, has added fuel to flames as private bus organisations and a section of traders have said they will function normally on Monday.
Ernakulam Rural SP A V George said stringent measures have been implemented to ensure security in the wake of the hartal. “All precautions as per the direction of the High Court have been taken to avert untoward incidents,” he said.
George said action will be initiated to file a civil suit against those involved in violence. He said stringent action will be initiated against those threatening people going to work or forcefully shutting down shops. The police will also provide security for the smooth functioning of government offices. Use of microphones would not be allowed on the hartal day.
The police said they have intensified night patrolling. Anti-sabotage checks on trains, buses, railway stations and bus terminals was carried out. A senior officer said the police will provide vehicle assistance to passengers, mainly senior citizens, women and children, stranded at airports, bus stations, and railway terminals. The KSRTC might operate buses to outlying areas on the convoy. The police will provide security to the convoys.
As many as 30 Dalit organisations, including the Akhila Kerala Cheramar Hindu Mahasabha, Cheramar Sambavar Development Society (CSDS), National Dalit Liberation Front, Dalit Human Rights Movement, Kerala Cheramar Sangham, Social Liberation Front, Bahujan Samaj Party and Dravida Varga Aikya Munnani are taking part in the hartal.
Pvt buses to ply today
Private buses will function on Monday, said M B Satyan, president of the Ernakulam District Bus Operators Association. “The statement by M Geethanandan has created confusion and fear among private bus owners and employees. It is pathetic the authorities concerned have not responded against it. The government is responsible to ensure law and order and protection of people. We have communicated with the DGP’s office,” he said.
Associations of bus owners and employees have jointly decided to operate buses on the day. The Kerala Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samithi said they will not observe hartal and all shops will be open.