Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued instructions to deal strictly with those attempting to disrupt peace and order during various festivals, including Holi, Mahashivratri, and Ramzan.
During a detailed review of the state’s law and order situation with senior government officials on Wednesday night, the Chief Minister stated that Holi will be celebrated from March 2 to 4. There should be an atmosphere of joy and happiness during the Holi festival throughout the state, including the Braj region. ”Ensure that unruly elements do not infiltrate the processions under any circumstances. Strict action should be taken against those who disrupt the celebrations, incite frenzy, and create unrest,” he said.
Administrative and police officers from all divisions, police zones, ranges, and districts participated in the meeting via videoconferencing. The Chief Minister said that, learning from incidents that occurred during festivals in past years, vigilance, monitoring, and management should be further strengthened in accordance with local needs.
The CM stated that Holika Dahan should be performed only at traditional sites, and under no circumstances should it be performed in the middle of the road. Social media platforms should also be continuously monitored.
In view of the upcoming Mahashivratri, Holi, Ramzan, Secondary Education Board examinations, census, and other important events, the Chief Minister directed that all necessary arrangements be made in a timely manner, keeping peace, security, and public order as the highest priority in the state.
Instructing to ensure the safety of Kanwar pilgrims going out to offer water on the occasion of Mahashivratri, the Chief Minister said that the police and administration should remain fully alert to prevent any accidents. The Director General of Police informed the Chief Minister that the necessary guidelines have been issued to the police force in this regard.
The Chief Minister enquired from the District Magistrates of Varanasi, Meerut, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Barabanki about the preparations for darshan and puja at major Shiva temples on Mahashivratri. He stated that a large number of devotees will arrive at major Shiva temples on February 14 and 15. NDRF and SDRF teams should be operational 24×7 to ensure the convenience of devotees, smooth darshan, traffic, parking, women’s safety, and emergency response. Police personnel deployed in temple premises should treat devotees with respect and ensure the deployment of adequate female personnel.
The CM directed that the major factors causing traffic jams be identified and permanent solutions be found. Long-term, practical measures should be implemented instead of temporary measures to avoid unnecessary inconvenience to the public.
Regarding the use of loudspeakers at religious places, instructions were given that their sound should not be transmitted outside the premises under any circumstances. Such activities have previously caused law and order challenges. Therefore, activities violating the rules should be stopped immediately. There will be a complete ban on the use of DJs, sound systems, or loud sound equipment after 10 pm at weddings and other social gatherings. Strict action should be taken in case of violations. The Chief Minister said that an increase in begging activities around religious places has been noticed. This should be effectively stopped, and a plan should be made for the appropriate rehabilitation of the individuals involved.
The Chief Minister directed concrete steps to improve the response time and efficiency of the 108 and 102 ambulance services. Any laxity in emergency services will not be tolerated. Directing complete control over the manufacture, storage, and sale of illegal, poisonous, and spurious liquor, the Chief Minister said that all concerned departments should remain constantly alert in this regard. Prompt and strict action should be taken as soon as any such activity is reported. Special vigilance should be exercised against unruly elements performing stunts on roads and in public places.
The Chief Minister said that the Board of Secondary Education’s Class 10 and 12 examinations will begin on February 18. Examinations should be conducted without cheating, and strict action should be taken against those who compromise the integrity of the examinations. The month of Ramadan will also begin during this period, and Eid will likely be celebrated on March 21. Peace and harmony should be maintained by communicating with religious leaders. No new traditions should be started under any circumstances.
The Chief Minister stated that Vasantik Navratri will begin on March 19, followed by the festival of Ram Navami. Preparations for all these events should be completed on time. Furthermore, the Chief Minister informed that the first phase of the census is commencing in the coming days, for which all District Magistrates should ensure necessary preparations. The Chief Minister said that utmost vigilance must be maintained regarding security arrangements. Every department should discharge its responsibilities with complete honesty and accountability.