Stringent curbs in place to ensure peaceful counting in Kozhikode

Public demonstrations and vehicle rallies should not be held

District Collector Seeram Sambasiva Rao on Saturday issued prohibitory orders covering all rural police station limits in Kozhikode as part of security measures taken to ensure peaceful counting. The orders issued under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure will be in place till May 7. Mr. Rao said the intention of the order was to ensure strict implementation of COVID-19 protocol and avert all possible chances of clashes in politically sensitive areas. No public gatherings or assembling of more than five persons would be permitted within a kilometre radius of the counting stations, he said. Police officials from various rural stations said they would ensure that no public demonstrations or vehicle rallies were held. Stringent regulations as recommended by the police higher-ups would be in place in all critical containment zones in view of the COVID-19 scare, they said.