Security tightened in Bihar, for peaceful Dussehra festival

Patna Oct 1 (UNI) The Bihar Government, has tightened security arrangements for the peaceful celebrations of Dussehra.

The administration, has also sounded alert across the state to prevent any untoward incident during the Dussehra festival in view of the rush of devotees. Two companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and 18 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been deployed to maintain law and order during the festival.

State Home Secretary Afzal Amanullah said here all district magistrates and police superintendents have been asked to take all possible steps to maintain peace and harmony during the festival.

The DMs and SPs of some of the sensitive districts have been given special instructions to maintain peace in their jurisdiction during the festival.

Mr Amanullah said separate police teams have been conducting round- the-clock patrolling and the district police have been deployed in and around the 'puja pandals'. Special arrangements have also been made for the immersion of goddess Durga idols once the festival was over.

''The administration have been asked to allow the idol immersion processions through particular routes,'' he added.

Officials have been asked to ensure plying of only registered boats in order to prevent any untoward incident.

Mr Amanullah said the alert, sounded for Dussehra, would continue for five weeks in view of the ongoing month of Ramzan and added the RAF and the CRPF would remain deployed till the Chhath festival.

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