Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Reviews Festive Security Measures
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of Uttar Pradesh conducted a comprehensive review of law and order arrangements for the upcoming festival season on Saturday. He emphasized that festivals should symbolize joy and brotherhood, not become platforms for harassment or humiliation of any community or individual.
Strict Directives for Maintaining Peace
The Chief Minister issued clear instructions to police and administrative officials to take exemplary action against anyone attempting to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere during festivals including Holi, Ramzan, Eid, Navroz, and Navratri. He described this period as particularly sensitive from a security perspective.
"Festivals represent our cultural unity and should never be used as means to hurt anyone," Adityanath stated during the review meeting. "Any incidents that spread animosity in society will result in accountability for concerned officers."
Comprehensive Security Framework
Adityanath directed authorities to review incidents from the past five years and implement appropriate security measures based on those assessments. His specific directives included:
- Increased police patrolling across sensitive areas
- Enhanced vigilance during religious processions
- Proper cleanliness arrangements at festival sites
- Meetings of Holika Dahan committees and peace committees before Holi
- Restriction of Holika Dahan ceremonies to safe locations only
- Ban on obscene songs or music during Holi celebrations
- Removal of unauthorized loudspeakers
Enhanced Monitoring and Transportation Measures
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of strengthening local intelligence networks and maintaining continuous social media surveillance. He specifically mentioned monitoring fake accounts and countering misleading information promptly.
Regarding transportation during the festive season, Adityanath directed the transport corporation to:
- Operate additional buses to accommodate increased passenger movement
- Ensure only fitness-certified buses are deployed
- Take strict action against private operators charging arbitrary fares
- Have transport officials conduct field inspections to ensure public convenience
Separate Crackdown on Illegal Liquor
In a parallel development, Chief Secretary SP Goyal convened a separate meeting with District Magistrates and police officials to address the issue of illegal and spurious liquor ahead of Holi celebrations.
Goyal cautioned against unnecessarily prolonged closures of liquor shops, warning that such measures could encourage illegal alcohol trade. "District administrations should make decisions about shop closures based on local conditions to maintain a balanced and controlled system," he advised.
The Chief Secretary directed officials to conduct inspections at liquor shops and state borders while launching a special campaign against illegal liquor. He emphasized ensuring strict punitive action against those involved in the production and sale of illicit alcohol.
The comprehensive review and subsequent directives reflect the Uttar Pradesh government's proactive approach to maintaining law and order during the upcoming festival season, balancing security concerns with the preservation of cultural harmony.
