Delhi Police deny Shiv Sena permit to protest against India-Pakistan cricket match

New Delhi: The Delhi Police on Sunday refused permission to the Shiv Sena (UBT) to stage a protest at Jantar Mantar against the India-Pakistan Asia Cup cricket match.

Traditional rivals India and Pakistan are set to face each other in Dubai on Sunday, marking their first encounter since the military conflict in May. That conflict followed Indian strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled territories after 26 individuals were killed in a heinous terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22.

Several opposition parties have criticised the BJP-led central government, describing the match as an affront to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and the Indian soldiers who lost their lives at the borders.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray has announced 'Sindoor' protests will be held across Maharashtra.

In Delhi, a senior police officer stated that the application to hold the protest at Jantar Mantar was received on September 13, merely a day prior to the planned demonstration.

"As per existing guidelines, applications must be submitted at least 10 days before the date of the programme. Since this condition was not met, the request could not be granted," the officer added.

Leaders of the Shiv Sena (UBT) voiced their disappointment over the decision but reaffirmed their resolve to pursue the matter through peaceful means.

Mangat Ram Munde, head of Shiv Sena (UBT) in Delhi, said, "We respect the law but will continue to voice our concerns through democratic means."

PTI