While it is still unclear who will be held accountable for the damage to government and private property during the protests on 23 and 24 Bhadra, the Home Administration has now arranged for the organizers to fill out a form stating that they will be held responsible.
The administration will now require the signing of a declaration before granting permission for any movement, sit-in or protest. While it is still unclear who will be held responsible for the damage to government and private property during the protests on 23 and 24 Bhadra, the home administration has now made arrangements to fill out a declaration form that will hold the organizers responsible.
An official from the Ministry of Home Affairs said that an arrangement has been made to sign a declaration along with the permission request form when an individual or group goes to all 77 district administration offices for a demonstration.
It states that ‘no provocative activities are allowed to challenge the delivery of public services, peace and security, or any other activity.’ It also states that no damage or loss of any public or private property is allowed during the program.
‘In case of damage or loss to public or private property, the organizer will assess the damage and pay compensation as per the prevailing law,’ it says, ‘While delivering a speech, speakers will not be allowed to use or display obscene words, speech, or hateful expressions or behavior that undermine the sovereignty, geographical integrity, or communal harmony of the country.’
According to officials, now any group seeking to demonstrate will have to first sign this declaration and seek permission. “The hope is that this will play a role in holding the protesters accountable to some extent,” says a ministry official.
