Date:07/11/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/11/07/stories/2009110761360300.htm

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Time limit for protests

Staff Reporter

Police, partymen hold talks

No rallies before 11 a.m. and between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
No more rallies from East Fort to Secretariat

Thiruvananthapuram: No processions or demonstrations would be allowed on urban roads before 11 a.m. or after 4 p.m. till 6 p.m., the police said on Friday.

The decision was taken after the police reached an understanding with representatives of important political parties, trade unions and social organisations in the district. City Police Commissioner M.R. Ajith Kumar and Deputy Police Commissioner, Law and Order, M. Gopalakrishnan chaired the meeting.

The police will not allow demonstrations starting from East Fort and ending in front of Government Secretariat. Ideally, processions and demonstrations should start from Museum junction or Martyrs’ Square at Palayam and end in front of the Secretariat.

It was agreed at the meeting that protestors will keep down the length of the procession to the minimum. Demonstrators must allow pedestrians and motorists to cross the road. They also agreed not impede two way movement of traffic and keep to one side of the main thoroughfare.

Court directives

The organisations also agreed not to stop employees and citizens from accessing government institutions and facilities such as Accountant General’s and Post Master General’s office, when organising protests in front of such institutions. The representatives also agreed to adhere to all the directions laid down by the High Court while conducting public demonstrations and marches.