Section 144 impact: Marina sees less visitors, walkers

Though the police said its imposing of Section 144 at Marina is not applicable for health walks or recreation puposes, the beach only saw less number of visitors on Sunday.

The order, which will be in force till midnight on February 12, was issued in the interest of preserving peace in Chennai and to curtail nefarious designs of anti-socials and anti-nationals to disrupt order.

In a statement, police commissioner S George said, "All assemblies, processions, fasts, demonstrations, human chains, meetings and movement of groups are prohibited in and around the Marina.

The order will apply to areas within the jurisdiction of D5 Marina, E1 Mylapore, D3 Ice House, E5 Fores hore Estate, D1 Triplicane and D6 Anna Square police stations. Anyone violating the order will be prosecuted.

George said, “There is reason to believe that even after demands of jallikattu supporters were fulfilled by Government, anti-socials, anti-nationals and miscreants are trying to spread rumours through the social media inviting the students and others to congregate in large numbers in the Marina and Foreshore areas by spreading their anti-national ideologies.

We learn that there is a possibility they may, once again incite the youth or lead acts of violence, mischief and rioting, that would affect the safety, peace and tranquillity of the citizens and would lead to damage to public properties.”