Police ban gatherings and protests in India’s Hyderabad until November 28, BJP reacts 

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The Hyderabad Police on Monday (October 28) announced prohibitory orders barring all processions, dharnas, and public gatherings in the city until 28 November.

Hyderabad Police Commissioner C V Anand told news agency PTI, “Reliable information has been placed before us that several organisations/parties are trying to create disturbances affecting public peace and order in Hyderabad city, by resorting to dharnas and protests.”

To ensure order and stability in Hyderabad, a police notification stated that all individuals and groups are prohibited from engaging in activities that could disrupt public peace. “Individual/groups of individuals are prohibited from making any speeches, gestures or displaying pictures, any symbols, placards, flags, and any type of message of electronic form etc., which is likely to cause disturbance to public peace and order in the limits of Hyderabad and Secunderabad,” it read.

However, the notification clarified that peaceful protests and dharnas are permitted exclusively at Indira Park Dharna Chowk. Any demonstrations outside of this designated area within Hyderabad and Secunderabad are not authorised, reported PTI.

The public is warned that any breach of these orders, especially around sensitive locations such as the Secretariat, will result in legal consequences under applicable laws.

These orders are in effect from 6 pm on October 27 until 6 pm on November 28. Police personnel, military members on duty, authorised funeral processions, flying squads from the education department, and any exempted individuals or groups have been excluded from these restrictions.

The orders come as the city prepares for the upcoming festival season, including Dhanteras, Chhoti Diwali, Diwali, and Goverdhan Puja.

The move has faced opposition from the Bharatiya Janata Party, which claims the ruling Congress government is targeting Hindu festivals. Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, Andhra Pradesh BJP Vice President, expressed criticism on X, stating, “First, #Congress imposed Section 144 in Hyderabad and Secunderabad ahead of Diwali, restricting gatherings and movement. Then, Congress’s official handles mocked Hindus by wishing them Diwali in this way. Although they have deleted the post, it has revealed their true intentions and hatred for Hindus.”

Shanthikumar, treasurer of BJP’s Telangana unit, echoed these sentiments, remarking, “Once again, Hindus are being restricted from celebrating their festivals freely in Congress-ruled #Telangana. Just before Diwali, Section 144 is imposed in Hyderabad, curbing gatherings and processions.”

(With inputs from agencies)