Religious events only at set places: UP government

The state government on Wednesday reviewed security arrangements in the state ahead of Eid on Saturday that will coincide with Akshay Tritiya and Parshuram Jayanti with the atmosphere in the state also sensitive owing to the recent killings of Atique and Ashraf.

Principal secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad, along with DGP RK Vishwakarma and special DG (law and order) Prashant Kumar held a review meeting with all zonal ADGs of police, divisional commissioners, district magistrates, police commissioners and other senior police officers. Prasad said it should be ensured that religious programs and worshipping should take place at designated places only and no religious procession should be taken out without permission. Further, permissions should be granted only to those processions carried out traditionally and no new events should be granted permissions for. Prasad said in the past peaceful holding of festivals have been possible with the help of dialogue (with religious heads) and this time around too such efforts should be made. "The police will have to remain extra cautious considering present circumstances," Prasad said.

Officers were also told to deal with such people strictly who issue mischievous comments as well as remain vigilant about social media posts and respond immediately to attempts of spreading fake news with senior police officers refuting rumours or fake news. Vishwakarma said additional forces should be deployed in sensitive areas and religious establishments should be duly protected. Kumar said some chaotic elements may try to disturb social balance using festivals as pretext.


Recently, incidents of communal violence had taken place in states like West Bengal and Bihar on the occasion of Ram Navami. In UP, killing of Atique and Ashraf by shooters who raised religious slogans after the killing has caused the atmosphere to become sensitive. No instance of violence or law and order disturbance however has been reported since the incident though.