Mangaluru: Ahead of the controversial visit to the state by Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan where Sangh Parivar outfits have called for a hartal against his visit, Section 144 has been imposed in Mangalore Commissionerate limits from 6 pm of February 24 to 6 am of February 26 to restrict bundh, hartal and any other processions.
The scheduled ‘Aikyatha Rall,’ and meeting that would be attended by Kerala Chief Minister Vijayan is exempted from this section. The program will be held between 2.30 pm and 6 pm. The CM is scheduled to participate in the ‘Aikyatha Rally,’ (Rally for harmony) at Mangaluru and also attend various other programs from Saturday morning.
“This section will not affect normal life of city in any manner. All our efforts are made to ensure smooth transport in city keeping in mind the on-going exams. The section is enforced to keep mischief mongers at bay and to prevent illegal assembly and processions,” Mangaluru DCP (Crime) Dr Sanjeev M Patil said. However sources said that several bus services and shops have decided to remain closed on Saturday. Security has been beefed up in the city and District Police limits since Friday. Regular patrolling is conducted in the city in addition to posting of police personnel in key positions. About 2,000 police will be deployed in the Commissionerate limits and 1,500 in the district limits through the weekend. In City 6 SPs, 10 DySPs, 20 Inspectors and 20 platoon have been deployed for security. In district police limits, 2 SPs, 1 Additional SP, 4 DYSPs, 550 HC/PCs, 300 Home Guards, 6 KSRP and 10 Armed Reserve Police and 2 Rapid Intervention Vehicles have been deployed. About 600 CC TV cameras, 100 handicams, 6 drone cameras would be deployed.
