Top cop wants protest rallies to be monitored

Police Commissioner DN Jadhav has asked the Special Branch to monitor protest meetings and public rallies because they might mask Naxalite agendas. “We need to be on alert and pre-empt any attempt by Naxalites to organise themselves in the city in the guise of meetings and protest rallies,” Jadhav said.

He has asked the Special Branch to keep tabs on Naxalite sympathisers in the city. Intelligence agencies had recently blacklisted a few NGOs for raising funds for Naxalites.

“Though we should be alert, there is no need to take an alarmist stand,” said Jadhav. Intelligence reports have stressed on the Naxalite strategy of tapping into ‘urban discontent’ by involving themselves in controversies over SEZs and other
development issues.