VIJAYAWADA: NTR district police have warned that provisions of ESMA (Essential Services Maintenance Act) will be invoked against those participating in the Maha Dharna called by Andhra Pradesh Power Employees (APPE) JAC and other electricity unions on Tuesday, August 8.
In a press release on Sunday, NTR district police commissioner Kanthi Rana Tata pointed out that the state government had passed GO 54 on May 10 bringing under ESMA services of all transmission and generation companies in Andhra Pradesh and banning any protests or strikes in them.
Yet, APPEJAC and other electricity unions have called for activities like Chalo Vidyut Saudha and Maha Dharna. Police have not given any permission for these protests.
The police commissioner said they have information that outsiders may join the dharna and resort to disturbances or violence, as has been witnessed in the past. Hence, police have imposed in Vijayawada city Section 144 Cr.P.C. as well as prohibitory orders under Section 30 of the Police Act.
Kanthi Rana said they are deploying 2,000 police personnel with CCTV and drone cameras to ensure strong surveillance. There will be police patrolling and all vehicles coming towards Vijayawada will be thoroughly inspected.
The police commissioner warned that despite these warnings and limitations, if anyone participates in the dharna on Tuesday, strict action will be taken against them under the ESMA Act and departmental action as per Andhra Pradesh Civil Services Conduct Rules. Further, they will be prosecuted under Sections 143, 427, 452, 283, 341, 506, 120(B), R/W 149 of the Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.
