Ramnavmi celebrated amidst religious fervour

Ranchi, Mar 27, (UNI) Thousands of devotees, attired in fancied garments, holding giant 'Mahavir' flags, thronged the streets of the state capital to the beats of drums, a reflection of the similar festive mood all over Jharkhand to celebrate the Ramnavami, the birth of Lord Rama today.

Devotees chanted 'Jai Sree Ram' as serpentile 'julus' (procession) were taken out amid tight security that converged at downtown Elbert Ekka Chowk here.

The 'Chaitri Navaratri' culminated with various organisations in the past few days preparing in big ways to mark the birth of Lord Rama.

Since yesterday, different 'Akharas' took out processions carrying the flags.

Home department sources told UNI that security forces had been deployed at every nook and corner of the state capital adding companies of Rapid Action force(RAF) and Special Task Forcec(STF) would also be deployed in the sensitive areas.

Police and intelligence sleuths were also alerted, sources said adding the District Suprintendent of Police had been given direction in this regard.

In Hazaribagh, the most sensitive district, 1000 jawans from state police and home guards had been deployed besides three companies of STF, a company of women police force and a company of RAF.

District Superintendent of Police Praveen Singh said joint efforts were being made by the district administration and Ramnavmi Mahavir Jhanda Samiti for peaceful processions.

Mr Singh said policemen in civil dresses would also be deployed at different locations in the district to identify the miscreants.

He said arrangement of cavalry force jawans and fire brigade vehicles with coloured water had also been kept to tackle any untoward incidednt.

However, district administration had permitted to take out procession through the sensitive Subhash road there which was prohibited earlier during evening.

Another report from Chatra said security had been tightened after the reports of internal tension among various 'Akharas'.

UNI