Pune cops detain 67 protesters for violating prohibitory orders

As many as 67 protesters, including a woman belonging to Sahyadri Pratishthan, were arrested on Sunday for protesting at Shaniwarwada and violating prohibitory orders in force in the city in view of the festive season.

The prohibitory orders do not allow an assembly of more than four people in the city from December 18 till January 2. 2012.

Members of Sahyadri Pratishthan, New Law Student Association and Akhil Bharatiya Chhava Vidhyarthi Sanghatana gathered at Shaniwarwada to protest against the government for neglecting maintenance of forts in the state.

The protesters gathered at the fort at around 10 am on Sunday and started shouting slogans. At around 2 pm, the police came and took all of them to city police headquarters in Shivajinagar.

Shramik Gojamgunde (35), president of Sahyadri Pratishthan said, “Our delegation has tried getting an appointment with the chief minister three times, besides sending him letters, but all in vain. As per the rules for conservation of forts, each fort gets a grant of Rs1 crore to 5 crore for maintenance. We have 16 demands to preserve the forts in Maharashtra which are neglected by the government. We had sought permission for the agitation, but the police denied it.”

Another activist, Sampada Khot (35), said, “On January 1, we are planning a jail bharo andolan in the city.”

Inspector (crime) Rajendra Sawant of Vishrambaug police station said, “The protesters had violated the orders passed by the joint commissioner of police (law and order), Sanjeev Singhal.”