Mumbai: Bracing for a crackdown under citywide prohibitory orders, demonstrators moved online from the streets on Thursday after four consecutive days of protests.Social media influencers like Oamkaar posted on their handles that “it is unadvisable to protest on the 23rd as Section 144 has been imposed and restrictions on gatherings of 5 or more people have been imposed”, adding that police will be out in full force. He urged students to take a break and recuperate.Similarly, influencer Ishika B uploaded a reel advising students not to step out unnecessarily, clarifying that this pivot did not mean giving up, but rather finding a way around the situation while taking time to rest.Taking the cue, protesters shifted their operations online, creating and sharing digital placards, campaign banners and video clips across social platforms that have been the hallmark of these protests as well as key rallying points to maintain momentum amid a protest not being led by any known political face or activist.However, frustration among student aspirants was palpably high. Speaking to TOI during Wednesday’s Dadar protest, a 19-year-old student from Sathaye College reflected the growing desperation within the community, stating that it was the last day to protest, fight for their rights, and make themselves seen before the prohibitory orders were officially put in place and street-level visibility was completely cut off.The lull came on the back of prohibitory orders issued by DCP (pperations) Akbar Pathan under Section 37 of Maharashtra Police Act. Officially effective from July 23-Aug 6, the orders strictly ban the public assembly of five or more persons, unauthorised rallies, the use of loudspeakers, musical bands, and bursting of firecrackers to prevent potential peace breaches and property damage.Irrespective of the fresh prohibitory orders, street demonstrations and public protests are not allowed anywhere across the city, with agitations restricted exclusively to the court-designated area within Azad Maidan. Routine activities at schools, colleges, workplaces and cinema halls, and permitted events like weddings remain exempt.Since July 18, Mumbai police have registered 15 FIRs under sections related to breach of prohibitory orders at various police stations against more than 900 people. (With inputs from Ahmed Ali)
