UP bans obscene programmes at police lines during Janamashtami

Lucknow, Sep 2 (UNI) In the backdrop of violence in Agra and Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh government has sounded an alert in the state during the festival of Janamasthami.

''Suitable measures should be taken to ensure that security of important religious places and installations is further strengthened,'' a state Home department circular said, adding that there are possibility of attempts to be made by anti-social elements to cause trouble on trivial issues.

Taking strong note of dance performances by girls during the function, the Home department said such programmes should not be held.

In a further directive to all the district police chiefs, divisional commissioner, range DIGs and zonal IGs, the government said that in no way any obscene performance be allowed during any official functions in the police lines or any other place.

The circular said that people enjoy the occasion with all traditional values attached to the festival, and there should be no innovation in it.

The two page directive sent on Friday said any effort by anti-social elements to arouse the sentiments of the people to disturb communal harmony and break law and order should be handled with a firm hand.

Curfew was clamped in Agra and Allahabad last week following large scale violence.

Last year, UP police came under severe criticism for organising vulgar dances by girls at the police lines during Janamasthami functions.

UNI