‘If everyone bats for peace, then why a peace committee meeting?’ quips Palamu DC ahead of Muharram
Daltonganj, June 24: Long ago, Victorian-era poet Robert Browning wrote the famous line, “God’s in his heaven, all’s right with the world.”…
Deputy commissioner Palamu Dilip Pratap Singh Shekhawat at the central peace committee meeting late Tuesday evening in Daltonganj
Daltonganj, June 24: Long ago, Victorian-era poet Robert Browning wrote the famous line, “God’s in his heaven, all’s right with the world.” Echoes of that sentiment were heard at Palamu’s central peace committee meeting on Tuesday evening when Deputy Commissioner Dilip Pratap Singh Shekhawat opened the proceedings with a thought-provoking remark.
DC Reflects on Purpose of Peace Committee Meetings
“Why a peace committee meeting when people of different faiths vow to have it by all means? I ponder over it; nevertheless, I feel a meeting like this is to further bolster the sense and value of peace and harmony,” said Shekhawat at the outset of his address at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Smriti Bhavan.
Recalling his childhood, the Deputy Commissioner reflected on how perceptions of festivals have changed over time.
“When I as a child didn’t know what administration or police meant; a festival for us in those days used to mean a holiday from school and lots of sweets and fun. Today it’s different. The festivals are deliberated upon. It’s for this reason that we are here,” he said.
The meeting focused on maintaining communal harmony and ensuring the smooth conduct of Muharram observances across the district.
‘Muharram Is an Occasion to Remorse’
Addressing those present, Shekhawat underscored the significance of Muharram and urged organisers to preserve its solemn character.
“Muharram is an occasion for remorse. There must be a sense of remorsefulness. Is there any room for extravagance? Why so much of a spectacle when it’s to be remorseful?” he said in a firm tone.
Administration Issues Guidelines for Muharram Processions
The Deputy Commissioner outlined a series of dos and don’ts for organisers and participants:
- Tazia procession routes are sacrosanct. They should not be diverted or altered and must be followed strictly.
- Remain alert against elements seeking to disturb communal harmony for personal or political interests.
- Ensure the height of flags (Jhanda) does not pose a risk of coming into contact with overhead electricity wires.
- Use only non-inflammatory and non-provocative playlists. Songs downloaded from YouTube should not be played in public spaces without proper scrutiny.
- Freedom of expression must not infringe upon the freedom of others.
- Fake news and unverified content intended to provoke passions will invite strict action from the administration.
- Keep politics away from festivals. Political rivalries should not be played out during religious events.
SP Directs Physical Verification of Procession Routes
Superintendent of Police Kapil Chaudhary directed police officers to physically inspect all Tazia procession routes in advance.
“Go and check the routes,” he instructed the officers.
He also warned of weather-related disruptions.
“It’s a season when storms may strike, and trees may get uprooted and lie on the route. Get it clear in time,” he said.
Gesture of Communal Harmony Draws Appreciation
A notable moment during the meeting came when Muharram Intezamiya Committee chief Zishan Ahmad Khan announced a gesture aimed at strengthening communal harmony.
“Muharram falls on Friday, June 26. We have urged the Mahavir Nav Yuvak Dal to guard the Tazias for the time being when we would be in the mosque for the congregational prayer,” he said.
Members of the Mahavir Nav Yuvak Dal readily agreed to the request.
Many attendees described the gesture as a rare and encouraging example of communal understanding and cooperation. However, officials maintained that vigilance would remain at the highest level during the festival period.
Civic Issues Raised at Meeting
The discussion later shifted to civic concerns, with participants raising issues related to poor road conditions, non-functional street lights and inadequate toilet facilities for women.
Responding to the concerns, Medininagar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Ranjit Lal, who recently assumed office, outlined measures being taken ahead of Muharram.
“Out of 8,000 street lights, more than 2,000 are dead. I assure that 500 street lights in strategic locations will be made functional this Muharram. There will be a fleet of ten tankers for the drinking water during this ongoing Muharram. There will be pothole patching to roads where the roads are in a dilapidated condition. As for toilet facilities for men and women, there will be mobile units of them,” Lal said.
The administration concluded the meeting with an appeal for cooperation from all communities to ensure that Muharram is observed peacefully and in keeping with the district’s tradition of communal harmony.
