The Police banned a protest announced for Friday afternoon in Omonia in Central Athens by members of the "Greek Association of Friends of Kashmir" due to the visit to Athens of the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.
"The ban is imposed as there is a serious threat of disruption of socio-economic life in the specific area from the holding of the above gathering," is pointed out by ELAS.
The police announcement
"By decision of the Athens Police Department, it is prohibited to hold public outdoor gatherings, which has been announced by members of the 'Greek Association of Friends of Kashmir' for 25-8-2023 at 17:00 in Omonia Square due to the visit in our country of the Prime Minister of India, in the urban network that includes the area of ​​responsibility of the Athens Police Directorate during the period from 00.00 on 25-08-2023 until 23:59 on 25-08-2023.
"The above prohibition is imposed as the disruption of socio-economic life in the specific area is seriously threatened by the holding of the above gathering."
The Kashmir dispute
The Kashmir region, which belongs to India, is a crucial issue of tension in India's relations with Pakistan and China. The conflict began after the partition of India in 1947, with India and Pakistan claiming the entirety of the former princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.
The two countries have gone to war three times, while Pakistani funds, arms and trains Islamist militants in the region.
Modi's Known Schedule So Far:
At 10:20 AM, Modi will be received by the President of the Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, while a medal presentation ceremony will follow.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will welcome his Indian counterpart at 11:00 AM at Megaros Maximos. The two leaders will have a one-on-one meeting followed by extended talks by the two countries' delegations and then statements to the press.
At 01:00 PM, Mitsotakis will host a working lunch for the Indian Prime Minister, with the participation of Greek and Indian businesspeople.
It is expected that another press conference will take place at 02:00 PM.
