THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, March 19: The Palamu district administration has sounded a cautious note ahead of March 27, when Friday (Juma) prayers and Ramnavami celebrations will coincide, raising concerns about large, simultaneous gatherings.
The issue was highlighted during a district-level peace committee meeting held on Wednesday evening, attended by DC Sameera S, SP Reeshma Ramesan, and representatives of various religious and community organisations.
Chainpur Bazar in focus
While Friday prayers will be held in around 250 mosques and Ramnavami events will be held across more than 400 Akharas in the district, the Chainpur Bazar area has been identified as particularly sensitive due to the proximity of a mosque and procession routes.
Members of the Mahavir Nav Yuvak Dal (Ramnavami committee) raised concerns over overlapping gatherings and urged the administration to take preventive steps. Suggestions included adjusting timings to avoid congestion and ensure harmony.
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Administration calls for caution
SP Reeshma Ramesan said the situation should be seen as an opportunity to promote communal harmony. DC Sameera S stressed the need for strict monitoring of social media and warned of action against any content that could disturb peace.
Authorities have also directed that all processions must strictly follow designated routes, with no deviation allowed.
Possible measures discussed
Among the suggestions given by members of both the communities to this correspondent were rescheduling or shortening Friday prayers in consultation with mosque authorities, maintaining restraint during processions, and limiting the use of loudspeakers.
With overlapping timings, crowd management and dispersal remain key concerns. The administration is preparing measures to ensure both events pass peacefully.