Dalit organisations are bracing themselves for a showdown with police after the latter refused permission to hold a protest meet on February 23 at the LEM school grounds. A group of 25 organisations and parties have sought permission from the Urban Police to hold the protest meet over the Gottipadu issue. But the Guntur Urban Police refused permission citing traffic and law and order concerns.
In a one-page media release on Wednesday, Ch. Vijaya Rao, SP, Guntur Urban, said the LEM school management had given a letter on February 9 withdrawing the permission given earlier. The SP said the ground was very small and was located in the heart of the city. Holding a public meeting there would create traffic snarls. The police also said the speeches of various leaders could spark tension between communities.
Citing an SC order, the police said the organisers would have to take responsibility for any loss of public property and in view of the sensitivity, it was decided not to give permission. They said two cases were registered against the accused belonging to two communities in the violent incidents that took place on Jan. 1, 2018.
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