Prayagraj: Police on Wednesday intensified security arrangements for Bakrid, which will be celebrated on Thursday, and divided the city into six zones and 17 sectors with the objective of maintaining peace during the festival.
As namaz (prayers) is scheduled to be offered at around 400 mosques and Idgahs within the city limits, police on Wednesday claimed to have held peace committee meetings at all 17 police stations in the city and appealed that no namaz will be held on public streets and roads. The kurbani (sacrifice) of prohibited animals will also not be allowed.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (City) Maneesh Kumar Shandilya told TOI that cops are maintaining a strict watch on social media platforms and that strict vigilance is also being maintained in view of the Bakrid festival across the city. Police forces are being deployed at all mosques and Idgahs. The cops have deployed drones to maintain a strict eye across the city, particularly in old city areas, and are also coordinating with other government departments such as power, PMC, Jal Sansthan, etc., to ensure peaceful festivities.
Senior cops on Wednesday reviewed security arrangements for old city areas and intensified vigilance in mixed-populated areas. The DCP meanwhile said, “Security arrangements are in place at all static locations and additional forces have also been deployed in mixed-populated areas. Cops are conducting foot marches in vulnerable and hotspot areas, and a close watch is being maintained.”
On the directives of top police officials, the cops implemented a multi-layered strategy aimed at ensuring public order and maintaining religious harmony. Key focus areas include enhanced patrolling, community outreach, a crackdown on banned prohibited animal sacrifices, and real-time social media monitoring. Authorities have also identified several sensitive spots across the district and deployed adequate forces. Foot patrols were intensified, while UP-112 emergency response vehicles were rerouted and briefed for rapid deployment.
Strict surveillance is also underway to counter rumour-mongering and inflammatory content on social media, with legal action promised against those spreading communal hatred.
Meanwhile, city markets, including Chowk, Bahadurganj, Johnstonganj Crossing, Ghanta Ghar, Kareli, Sulemsarai, and adjoining areas, witnessed a heavy flow of shoppers a day ahead of the festival. A rush was also noticed at the prime goat market in the old city, with people seen making their last-minute purchases.
