Thiruvananthapuram: Curb on rallies through streets

Thiruvananthapuram: The city police which has disallowed the public rallies and processions through city streets during peak hours had appealed for self-imposed restriction in the size of rallies as well.

The city police commissioner P Prakash has ordered that the rallies should not be taken out on times other than between 11 am and 1 pm. However, as the vehicle density was increasing manifold even this timeframe was unsuitable unless sizes of rallies were shrunk drastically, say police officials.

“The rallies cannot be allowed to take all of the streets. The vehicles that commute people for the rally will not be allowed to park on the roadside. Prior permission has to be taken,” Mr Prakash said.

Various political and caste-based organisations were increasing the size of rallies to show influence.

“Before 1 pm itself people  commute to houses or mess to catch an early lunch from their shops and office. So a rally of 3000 will still upset the traffic and plans of people. The concepts of peak timing are irrelevant as there is traffic all day,” said a senior traffic police official.