Mumbai police disallows queer march

Mumbai: The Mumbai police has denied permission to a march organised by the LGBT community supposed to be held on February 1.

The police has asked the organisers to gather at Azad Maidan, CST, instead, citing concerns over anti- CAA and NRC slogans being raised during the rally.

Had the rally been allowed, it would have been the 11th queer rally which is also known as pride and is organised as a Queer Azadi march. Till last year, the rally was held on city roads, starting from August Kranti Maidan through Nana Chowk, Opera House and Breach Candy before culminating at the August Kranti Maidan.

This year, the Humsafar Trust, the NGO which works for the rights of the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) community, had applied for police permission for the rally.

However, the Gamdevi police station denied permission to the rally citing concerns over anti-CAA and NRC slogans being raised. In a letter written to the Humsafar Trust, the police also mentioned the rule restricting gatherings in the state from January 23 to February 6. Rajendra Mohite, senior police inspector of Gamdevi police station issued the letter to the NGO.

Mumbai police PRO Pranay Ashok said, “We will take action if we find them doing anything wrong and rules will be followed.”

Tinesh Chopade, an advocacy manager from Humsafar, said that the police had asked them to gather at Azad Maidan instead and the organisers were yet to take any decision on the same.

Mr Chopade said, “This rally is organised to create awareness among the society and community. We do not arrange the rally to protest anything. The rally is organised to make people aware of our existence.” Every year, nearly 10,000 to 15,000 people participate in the rally. Parents and supporters of members from the community also take part in the march.