Ensure tight vigilance for peaceful Holi in Bhagalpur, DM directs officials

Bhagalpur: District magistrate (DM) Nawal Kishor Choudhary, while reviewing the law-and-order situation in the district on Friday, directed district, sub-divisional, block-level officials and SHOs of all police stations to ensure peaceful celebrations during the upcoming festivities.

He instructed officials to ensure that social harmony is not disturbed during the Holi in any area under their jurisdiction.The DM also asked administrative and police officials to hold peace committee meetings with local residents to ensure the festivities are celebrated with bonhomie and brotherhood. Directions have been issued for the deployment of magistrates and special police task forces at sensitive locations, especially in view of the ongoing Ramzan fasting.Special directives were issued to curb liquor smuggling from neighbouring Jharkhand and West Bengal, and to take strict action against smuggling and consumption of illicit liquor or drugs, ensuring full compliance with the state’s prohibition laws. Notably, the three-day Holi celebrations will be held from March 2 to 4, with Holika Dahan on March 2 followed by Holi revelry on March 3 and 4.The DM said magistrates, police officials and additional forces have been deployed, and special 24×7 control rooms have been established at district and sub-divisional levels.

“Officials, including police teams, have been directed to ensure that government rules and regulations are strictly followed during the Holi festivities,” he added.Officials have been instructed to register cases against individuals or groups indulging in loud or lewd music during Holi. Playing loud or vulgar songs in public through sound systems has been prohibited. Flying squads will keep a close watch on sensitive areas, the DM said.The excise department and police have also been directed to ensure strict compliance with the Bihar prohibition and excise (amendment) Act, which bans the manufacture, sale and consumption of country-made liquor (CML) and Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL). Any unlawful activities or hooliganism during Holi will not be tolerated, the DM warned.Appealing to the public, he urged people to maintain social harmony and refrain from forcibly applying colours. Officials will ensure that the sentiments of all communities are respected, he added.