Mangaluru, Sep 7 (DHNS): The police have allowed the BJP to hold a public meeting for three hours, from 11 am to 2 pm at Nehru Maidan in Mangaluru on Thursday.

However, permission has been denied for the proposed rally from Ambedkar Circle (Jyothi Circle) to the DC Office, Mangaluru Police Commissioner T R Suresh said.

In the wake of denial of permission for the proposed bike rally by BJP Yuva Morcha, Suresh and Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Dr K G Jagadeesha have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 35 of Karnataka Police Act, restricting bike rally and procession till the midnight of September 8. A press release from the deputy commissioner said that prohibitory order is in force to ensure that no rally from outside the district enters Dakshina Kannada.

Nehru Maidan 

The police commissioner on September 4 had issued orders denying permission for ‘Mangaluru Chalo’ bike rally by the BJP Yuva Morcha. The Morcha has planned Mangaluru Chalo, seeking a ban on PFI and KFD and resignation of district in-charge Minister B Ramanath Rai. BJP workers from various districts were expected to ride on bikes to take part in the rally to be held in Mangaluru on Thursday.

Suresh said permission was denied keeping in view the sensitive nature of the district and to maintain peace.

Security has been strengthened in Mangaluru city. One company of Rapid Action Force (RAF), 10 platoons of KSRP and five platoons of CAR have been deployed in addition to 100 additional police personnel from outside the district. To instill confidence in the public, the RAF, CAR and police personnel took out a route march across Mangaluru city on Wednesday.

Dakshina Kannada SP C H Sudheer Kumar Reddy said 15 platoons of KSRP and over 600 additional police personnel were deployed in the district. Checkposts have been opened on the district’s borders.