Ten day ban on carrying weapons

SURAT, Feb 9: The commissioner of police has banned carrying of weapons, explosives, making of inflammatory speeches, burning of effigies and other anti-social activities from Tuesday midnight to February 19.

The ban, issued by the police chief as per the powers given to him under the Bombay Police Act, is aimed at maintaining peace during the forthcoming festivals. The directive warns that those found violating any of the provisions will face penalty or even imprisonment upto a year. The directive bans all kinds of weapons including licensed explosives, all inflammable objects like torches, holding of rallies, making inflammatory speeches and other violations.

All government employees required to use weapons as well as those authorised by the police commissioner to do so are, however, exempt from the ban order. Meanwhile, two persons from the Limbayat area of the city were booked under provisions of the Prevention of Anti Social Activities PASA Act. Ayub Harisingh Raj alias Ayub Gando 27, a resident of Rajivnagar area of Limbayat and Shahbuddin Ghulammiya Multani 50 from Padmavati Society in Limbayat were arrested.