Black now allowed at Modi programme

A ban imposed on wearing black items at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally at Palamau in Jharkhand on January 5 was withdrawn on Thursday.

"The ban on wearing black clothes and other black tems has been withdrawn and there is no restriction on wearing any colour," Palamu Superintendent of Police Indrajeet Mahata told reporters.

"The decision was taken considering the prevailing situation. The advisory has been withdrawn," he said.

He added: "People should cooperate with security forces during the Prime Minister's visit."

All black items were banned at the rally site by the Palamau district administration in view of possible protests by the striking para teachers when Modi visits on January 5.

The teachers had vowed to show black flags to Modi on his arrival at Palamau.

On Wednesday, the administration banned everything black including socks, clothes, bags, shoes, purses and caps.

Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of the Mandal dam irrigation project, which was pending since 1972. The dam will be constructed at a cost of Rs 2,500 crore.

Modi will also lay the foundation stone of a pipeline to supply drinking and irrigation water in Palamu and Garhwa districts.

--IANS

ns/mr