Two days prior to a T20 International cricket game between India and Bangladesh, which is to be held in Gwalior, Government had imposed section 144, which prohibits assembling in groups and distributing any material which could incite the public, and even more, the internet, for the sake of peace and tranquility, in order to avoid any upheaval during the game, as per government source. The orders will be enforceable until October 7 2024 as the Hindu Mahasabha called for a ‘Gwalior bandh’ on the day of the match i.e. October 6 along with other organisations threatening demonstrations.
The match was upset with protests organized by the right-wing group who demanded for the match scheduled on Sunday to be called-off citing ‘atrocities’ on Hindus as the reason, followed by unrest characterized by violent street protests, and political change in government in August in Bangladesh.
Within the same context, the District Magistrate and Collector Ruchika Chauhan as well ordered PEC on October 3rd, under section 163 of the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) which is effective from July, as proposals made to the district after the Superintendent of Police informed the Government that situations warrants their issuance.
The Superintendent of Police observed that some sections of the society were preparing to hold processions, demonstrations and to carry out effigies burning in order to oppose the match scheduled.
Using pictures, videos, audio and other media, he said social networks were being used to spread inflammatory content that was likely to cause unrest among different religious groups, which was harmful to the society as a whole.
The additional superintendent of police enforced prohibitory orders in the madhya pradesh district in order to sustain public order and peace.
In accordance with the directives, every individual within the bounds of the district will be liable to punishment should he or she, through the available social media platforms, disturb the international fixture or provoke any religious feelings. Display of banners, posters, cut-outs, flags and other materials containing objectionable or inciting contents has been prohibited.
Also, condemnation of actions like demonstrations and burning of effigies within private and public places shall not be allowed during the specified period, the authority stated.
These prohibitions also extend to gatherings of five or more people armed with guns or phenomena that include clubs and edged weaponry such as swords and spears. It has also been stated that carrying any explosive materials like kerosene, petrol and acids is prohibited in a span of two hundred meters from any of the buildings.
The clash of the titans scheduled to take place between India and Bangladesh shall occur at the Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium situated in Gwalior with the stadium holding an international cricket match after 14 years.
Security and Traffic management will be ensured by deployment of around 1600 policemen in the area.
