THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, March 12: Chief Minister Hemant Soren today directed police officials to ensure strict law and order in the state during upcoming festivals like Holi, Sarhul, Eid, and Ram Navami. He emphasized that celebrations should occur peacefully, fostering mutual love and harmony in a crime-free environment.
Soren instructed officers to stay on high alert to prevent any incidents, communal tensions, or disputes. Special attention should be given to sensitive areas where tensions might arise. He also ordered close social media monitoring to curb the spread of rumours and misinformation.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of coordination with peace committees in sensitive areas through regular meetings. He directed officials to deploy police forces at crowded and religious places and take strict action against miscreants.
During a high-level review meeting at the Jharkhand Ministry, Director General of Police Anurag Gupta provided updates on crime control efforts in the state. Other senior officials present included Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari, Additional Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Principal Secretary of the Home Department Vandana Dadel, Inspector General of Police (IG) Special Branch Prabhat Kumar, IG Campaign A.V. Homkar, IG Crime Investigation Department Asim Vikrant Minj, IG Headquarters Manoj Kaushik, and other senior police officers.
Key Instructions Issued by CM Hemant Soren:
- Take necessary preventive measures ahead of the festivals.
- Deploy magistrates and police forces to maintain law and order.
- Strengthen security around religious places with CCTV and electronic surveillance.
- Conduct physical verification of procession routes.
- Deploy security personnel at sensitive locations along procession routes and use drones/videography for aerial surveillance.
- Arrange for Quick Response Teams (QRTs) along the procession routes.
- Ensure adequate lighting and public address systems along procession routes.
- Set up a joint control room and emergency response plan.
- Organize peace committee meetings at the district level.
- Verify the availability of anti-riot equipment, vehicles, and water cannons, and conduct anti-riot drills.
- Conduct raids against illegal drugs and alcohol.
- Take action to prevent the broadcast of provocative songs via DJs or other sound systems.
- Ensure proper food, accommodation, and drinking water facilities for security forces.
- Arrange emergency medical facilities during festivals.
With these measures, the Jharkhand government aims to ensure a peaceful and incident-free celebration of upcoming festivals.
