Ronald Maloya, one of the Blantyre organizers has just brought me a copy of the letter from Blantyre City Assembly which has authorized the demos in Blantyre! Its signed by the CEO, Ted Nandolo himself.
I also have it on good authority that Mutharika has issued a decree stopping the pro-DPP marches, we thus have a clear path, people…we starting at Blantyre DC’s Office but if you arrive at Clock Tower, you will be directed.
At Poly preps are advanced, I passed two red fliers under each room and students are upbeat…
The demos have been given a nod on several conditions:
That two names be put as sureties
That the demo organizers address the masses before setting off
That police inspect the contents of the placards
That marshals be chosen to work with police on security
No weapons
Demos will start from Old Police Ground (near Old Town Hall) to Civic Offices via Victoria Avenue, Mahatma Gandhi Road and Kenyatta Drive…the DC will receive the petition at Civic Offices…we will then go via Soche to Upper Stadium where speeches and dispersing will follow.
They say we cannot go to Sanjika because it violates Section 103 of the Police Act
Tell one and all that all the rumors of war and strife and clashes are a fluke and a hoax…the police commissioner himself has been assuring the organizers that all is going to be well; after all they have gotten the letter from the City assembly that we are marching tomorrow.
Remember there will be nurses, doctors and lawyers standing by…come out Blantyre, let’s shame the devil.
Rafiq Hajat just said:
ReplyDeleteThe latest: We've got the green light from the Bt City CEO and Commissioner of Police. We start from the Old Town Hall at 9am, down Vic Ave to Mahatma Ghandi Rd, sing the National Anthem (up to free from fear) at the junction than up Mahatma Ghandi to the Kapeni Rd turn off, (sing anthem) then down to Kenyatta Drive (sing anthem), then up Kenyatta Drive to reach Kwacha roundabout (sing anthem) and head for the Civic Centre where we hand over our Issues paper to the DC who will be waiting for us there. We then have 5 short speeches and disperse peacefully homewards!
I have it in writing - buttressed by personal assurances from the Police Commissioner Jose that there will be no counter march, no DPP cadres, no danger whatsoever and he expects us to march in a civilised and disciplined manner.
C U There!!