The Shimla district administration has imposed a ban on protests, processions, rallies, demonstrations, sloganeering, playing of bands, and carrying objects that could be used as weapons at 10 key locations in the state capital until July 31. The order was issued by Shimla Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anupam Kashyap on Monday, citing the need to ensure law and order and maintain public order in the town.
Affected Locations
The prohibited areas include from Chhota Shimla to The Ridge and Kennedy House, from Rendezvous Restaurant to Rivoli Cinema within a distance of 150 metres, from Scandal Point to Kali Bari Temple, from Chhota Shimla Gurudwara to Chhota Shimla-Kasumpti Road link road, from Chhota Shimla Chowk to Lok Bhawan to Oak Over, from Chhota Shimla Gurudwara to the stairs and footpath leading to Kasumpti Road, from Cart Road to Majitha House Link Road, from A.G. Office to Cart Road, from CPWD Office to Chaura Maidan, and from CTO to Lower Bazaar within a distance of 50 metres.
Exemptions and Enforcement
The DC stated that the orders will not apply to police, paramilitary, and military personnel while performing their duties. Stern action will be taken against violators.
Migrant Worker Registration
Additionally, the DC has mandated the registration of migrant workers, street vendors, and workers from other states temporarily residing in the district at the nearest police station. All migrant workers within the district must get their documents verified at the nearest police station. No employer, contractor, or trader is allowed to engage any migrant worker unless the worker has submitted their details along with a passport-size photograph to the Station House Officer (SHO) of the concerned police station.
Tenant Verification
Kashyap also instructed locals to ensure the identification and registration of tenants before renting their houses to outsiders. Legal action will be taken against those who fail to comply.
Reasons for the Move
The DC explained that a large number of laborers, street vendors, hawkers, and others come to the district from outside states for work. They live temporarily in rented houses or at construction sites. In the event of a crime or untoward incident involving outsiders, the police often face difficulties in investigation. Therefore, it is necessary to register outsiders temporarily residing in the district with the nearest police station.
