Friday, December 12, 2008

Bangalore partyhoppers protest nightlife clamp down

Bangalore: Bangalore's socialites and pub-hoppers were out dancing on MG Road in broad day-light in protest against the city police's strict clampdown on late-night parties.

        It seems that partying at night in the city may not be the same anymore as the new police commissioner has initiated curbs on pub life in the city.

       One of the protestors said, “What we need is a healthy society to come out and express themselves and tell the world that we are all lovely people and we should just be left on our own to have a good time.”

        “They (police) are talking about music, drinking and dancing, then what are you doing in a Ramlila,” asked socialite Ruby Chakraborty.

        However, the police are extra vigilant after a petition was filed in the High Court by the live bands' association alleging that illegal discos are being allowed to operate in the city while live bands had been asked to shut down.

        Meanwhile, with the new Government in Bangalore, the campaign to have greater freedom in pubs and discos has renewed.

        However, it seems doubtful that the new Government would amend the law as the ban came after a police raid on a rave party in the city's outskirts early Sunday morning.

        Thirty people were arrested and drugs seized and this gives police additional ground on their stand.

         Nevertheless, it hasn't stopped people from campaigning for a better nightlife.

        “The ban is only in Bangalore but the parties are on in Mysore,” says another protestor.

        “It's about our freedom. Today they are saying we can't dance and tomorrow they'll say we need a licence to go out with our families,” added another.

0 comments: