Bihar Officials Conduct High-Level Review for Holi Festival Security
In a proactive move to ensure peaceful celebrations, State Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit chaired a crucial high-level review meeting on Tuesday, focusing on law and order preparedness for the upcoming Holi festival across Bihar. The meeting, attended by senior officials, resulted in strict directives to district administrations and police forces to enforce rigorous measures, aiming to prevent any disruptions during the festive period.
DGP Orders Comprehensive Security Arrangements
Director General of Police (DGP) Vinay Kumar issued detailed instructions for robust security protocols. He mandated close monitoring of DJ operations and immediate action against any violations of rules. All Superintendents of Police (SPs) were directed to conduct thorough briefings with subordinate officers and personnel to ensure alert deployment and effective on-ground response capabilities.
Key measures include:
- Riot control squads to remain in 24-hour "ready mode" for rapid deployment.
- Formation of special checking teams to conduct inspections at sensitive locations.
- Ensuring Dial 112 emergency services and district coordination centres are fully operational throughout the festival.
- Hospitals and fire brigade units to maintain active status for prompt emergency response.
Heightened Alert Based on Past Incidents
Additional Director General (ADG) of Police for law and order, Pankaj Darad, highlighted the urgency by citing approximately 20 incidents of communal violence reported during Holi last year. This historical context underscored the need for heightened vigilance. Darad instructed all districts to remain on high alert and mandated that district magistrates convene peace committee meetings to strengthen inter-community coordination and curb the spread of rumours.
Multi-Departmental Coordination Emphasized
Additional Chief Secretary of the home department, Arvind Chaudhary, also participated in the meeting, reinforcing the importance of comprehensive preparedness. He instructed district administrations to take all necessary steps to maintain law and order, ensuring a seamless coordination between various departments. District magistrates and superintendents of police from all districts joined the session via video conferencing, facilitating a statewide alignment on security strategies.
The collective efforts aim to foster a safe and joyous Holi celebration, with authorities leaving no stone unturned in their preparedness to handle any potential challenges.
