No effect on IFFI of Goa prohibitory orders for Ayodhya

A day after imposing prohibitory orders in the state ahead of the Ayodhya verdict, the Goa government on Friday clarified it would not affect upcoming International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

The IFFI will be held from November 20-28 in Panaji. The Supreme Court is likely to deliver the verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri masjid case in the next few days.

District Magistrate Vikash S N Gaunekar on Friday said that since IFFI is a government function, it would not be covered under prohibitory orders.

In an addendum issued on Friday, Gaunekar said these restrictions are not applicable to official events of Central and state governments, semi-government or autonomous bodies, educational institutions etc.

Sports events, private weddings, birthday parties and other indoor private functions are also not banned under the orders, nor were traditional, religious and cultural events, it said.

Prohibitory orders were imposed on Thursday statewide to curb the possibility of processions, protests by various groups after the verdict, which was likely to disturb peace and tranquility within the district, and bring about economic and cultural disturbances.