UP DGP Rajeev Krishna Orders Ban on New Muharram Routes and Weapon Displays

Uttar Pradesh's top police official, DGP Rajeev Krishna, has instructed all police units to deny new Muharram procession routes and religious practices. A strict ban on weapon displays during processions is also enforced. Preventive measures against anti-social elements and constant social media monitoring are mandated as Muharram approaches, from June 27 to July 6.

The DGP has issued a detailed directive to senior police officials across the state, outlining strategies to maintain law and order. All police stations must review festival registers to ensure no new traditions or routes are permitted. In areas with past disputes, joint assessments by police and revenue officials are required to prevent tensions.

Security Measures and Community Coordination

Local officers have been instructed to visit sensitive locations personally and address any concerns. Beat officers must identify potential flashpoints and inform senior officers for prompt action. Anjumans and committees organising processions must be registered and consulted in advance for smooth coordination.

Adequate police deployment is mandated along all processional routes, with formations supervised by gazetted officers. Due to increased female participation in Muharram gatherings, especially pre-dawn, special deployments for their safety are required at identified hotspots.

Enhanced Surveillance and Traffic Management

Regular morning patrols will ensure no objectionable materials are displayed publicly. CCTV and drone surveillance are ordered for major events, with videography of gatherings to maintain transparency. Security checks will intensify at public spaces like bus stands, railway stations, marketplaces, and religious sites.

Bomb disposal squads, anti-terror units, and sniffer dogs will be deployed as needed. Traffic disruptions are prohibited, with suspicious vehicles checked at police barriers. Authorities must strictly enforce the Motor Vehicles Act.

Weapon Ban and Crowd Control

A categorical ban is placed on public weapon displays during religious processions. Police are instructed to take immediate legal action against violators carrying illegal arms. Crowd-control equipment is ready at commissionerate and district offices, with reserve personnel equipped with helmets and riot gear stationed at key points.

Local intelligence units must stay alert, monitoring undesirable elements closely. Information from intelligence sources should prompt quick preventive actions. Police control rooms need efficient operations for rapid information-sharing and response.

Social Media Monitoring

Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X, and WhatsApp will be closely monitored for misleading or provocative posts. Such content must be removed immediately, followed by legal action against those responsible. The DGP emphasised timely coordination of arrangements for peaceful Muharram observance across Uttar Pradesh.

All arrangements should be timely and coordinated at the highest levels to ensure peace during Muharram in Uttar Pradesh.

With inputs from PTI