Belagavi police impose Section 163 ahead of farmers' protest
Prohibitory orders are in effect in Belagavi to prevent potential law and order issues during the Kendra Karyalaya Abhiyan.
The Belagavi City Police Commissionerate has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, due to a proposed farmers' protest. According to ANI, the orders were issued by Commissioner of Police Sandeep Patil and are effective from 6 am on November 5 until 6 am on November 7, 2026.
The restrictions apply to areas under the Market, Malmaruti, Shahapur, APMC, and Belagavi Rural police stations. Authorities cited risks of traffic issues, threats to public peace, and law and order challenges caused by large gatherings of farmers at the Deputy Commissioner's office premises.
Under the order, groups of more than five people are prohibited from assembling, carrying weapons such as sticks or knives, or conducting rallies. The use of loudspeakers without permission and making provocative speeches are also banned, though marriage functions, religious programmes, and emergency services are exempt with permission.
The move follows sugarcane farmers protesting at the Hittinahalli toll gate in Vijayapura district on Saturday. Those protesters demanded a price of Rs 5,500 per tonne for their produce during a statewide bandh.
Karnataka Minister Satish Jarkiholi said that high-level negotiations are continuing to resolve the deadlock between sugarcane growers and sugar mill operators. Jarkiholi told reporters that discussions between factory owners and farmers are ongoing to reach a consensus on pricing.