A delegation of student leaders and members of various public outfits met Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) to register a strong protest against police for denying permission to hold peaceful agitations at Lower PMG.
Led by Pradesh Chhatra Congress President Bibhuti Bhushan Mohapatra, the delegation gathered outside the DCP office to express deep dissatisfaction over the recurring rejection of protest applications.
Addressing the media, Mohapatra highlighted that numerous organisations regularly seek permission for peaceful demonstrations at Lower PMG—traditionally recognised as the primary protest ground of the capital city. However, police authorities have frequently turned down these requests.
“Lower PMG is the historic venue for expressing grievances in the capital city. Denying permission here is a direct attempt to silence public voice and infringes upon the democratic rights of students and citizens alike,” Mohapatra asserted. “Multiple organisations face this hurdle, and we have submitted a formal representation demanding immediate clearance for peaceful agitations.”
Other student leaders present at the demonstration pointed out that police routinely cite traffic congestion or security concerns to decline permissions, obstructing legitimate public demands.
The delegation warned that if the police department fails to establish a transparent and regular process for issuing demonstration permits, they will launch a larger statewide agitation in the coming days.
Police authorities have not yet issued an official response regarding the matter. The dispute has reignited public debate on democratic rights and freedom of peaceful assembly in the state capital.
