Ahead of the scheduled ‘Silent Protest’ of AP youth on 26th January at RK beach in Vizag, DGP Sambasiva Rao has issued clear mandate that police permission would not be provided for movements born on social media.
It is well-known that inspired by the Jallikattu movement in Tamil Nadu, AP youth sans political parties, have decided to silently protest at the RK beach in Vizag on the eve of Republic Day. Although the mainstream print media didn’t endorse this idea, the social media wave took it to so high that even several film celebs have extended their support and some even volunteered to take part in the protest.
Addressing the media, AP DGP has now made it clear that no one has sought official permission for this protest and even if someone does now, it can’t be provided in such short notice.
‘We have no issues with peaceful protests but anti-social elements often prey upon these kinds of mass movements to spread terror in society. This protest has been incited by some enthusiastic people on social media and no one has come forward to take the responsibility if some disturbance occurs,’ added the DGP.
‘People have the right to take part in peaceful movements and we respect it. But, ‘Law and Order’ is our priority. There is no official permission for any sort of protest on Jan 26,’ he reiterated.
On the other hand, those gearing up for protest are citing Article 191b of the Indian constitution, which states – ‘Citizens can protest peacefully without arms’.