In view of the procession of Muharram and the ongoing Kavad Yatra in many districts of Uttar Pradesh including Sambhal, Lucknow and Moradabad, the state administration has increased security measures to ensure peace and to prevent any untoward incident.
A large number of people attended the processions of Muharram in various parts of the state. At the same time, police forces have been deployed in sensitive areas in view of the Kandar Yatra, as well as the situation is being monitored with drones and CCTV cameras.
Sambhal District Magistrate Dr. Rajendra Pencia said, “We have held various peace committee meetings at the village, neighborhood and district level. People from all the parties were invited to these discussions. All communities were called, and their issues related to electricity, water and other problems were addressed … If any problem arises, clear instructions have been given to inform us.
He said, “We have appointed magistrates at every place, with whom there will be police officers. Any procession, whether Kandar Yatra or Muharram, will be taken out in box format, around which our officers will be posted.”
Continuous monitoring is also being done through drones. Currently we have more than 13,000 CCTV cameras. All necessary arrangements have been completed, and action is underway to ban more than 900 persons. Section 163 is applicable. We believe that everything will be done peacefully. “In Lucknow, the police in the western region, also known as Old Lucknow, takes additional precautions, which is considered highly sensitive during Muharram.
DCP Lucknow West Vishwajit Srivastava told ANI, “The western region of Lucknow during Muharram, also known as Old Lucknow, is highly sensitive. There is always a 24/7 zonal sector system. Separate arrangements are made for the processions that come out in this area.”
He said that security is done at three levels during the procession. Srivastava said, “The first layer runs in the box formation with the procession, the second layer handles the passage system and the third layer is posted at the major places of the procession. CCTV cameras are installed at 82 places. Volunteers of the civil security organization are also present. Three types of drones have been deployed. Our social media teams are fully active and we are in constant contact with religious leaders.
District Magistrate Anuj Kumar Singh in Moradabad said that the police is vigilant and the Muharram and Kavad Yatra are taking active steps to conduct peaceful manner. He said, “A peace committee meeting was held with the people, in which he was instructed to give instructions about the height of the Taji and the participation of the children.”
DM Anuj also said that preparations for the Kandar Yatra are in full swing. “We are preparing for the Kawad Marg. This time the road situation is good. We inspected it tomorrow, and the PWD and the municipal bodies are working to resolve the rest of the issues.” He said, “Cameras are being installed on the Kandar Yatra route … In addition, we have identified those who played a negative role during the previous events, and are also undergoing control of restrictions to maintain peace to maintain peace. Instructions have been given. “
