Also, with the Lok Sabha election underway, instructions have also been given to refrain from politicising Ram Navami on Saturday
With memories of clashes during last year's Ram Navami still fresh, Bihar government has made elaborate arrangements and increased security to ensure that the festival is celebrated peacefully and without any untoward incidents.
Also, with the Lok Sabha election underway, instructions have also been given to refrain from politicising Ram Navami on Saturday.
In state capital Patna, the area around Mahavir Mandir, which is thronged by thousands of devotees on Ram Navami every year, traffic restrictions were put in place apart from the deputation of around 150 magistrates and over 500 police officers and jawans since Friday evening. Control rooms have been set up and additional CCTV cameras have been put up for better control over law and order.
In Muzaffarpur and several other districts, licenses have been issued for organising Ram Navami processions. "The processions will not divert from the agreed route, on which cops will be deployed. The peace committees in the districts, comprising people from all religions and sections, have been trusted with the task of ensuring that no communally sensitive incident takes place during the processions," a senior Bihar police official said.
Additionally, with the Model Code of Conduct in force, songs or tableau related to political parties during processions have been banned.
The Bihar Pradesh Congress Committee (BPCC) submitted a memorandum with the chief electoral officer of Bihar demanding action against the 'saffronisation' of Ram Navami in Patna. "BJP leaders are organisers of Ram Navami events (Shobha yatra). How is it right during election season," said senior Congress leader and party MLC Prem Chandra Mishra. BJP MLA Nitin Navin, however, contradicted him saying it was a religious and cultural function and should not be associated with politics.
Last year, Bihar witnessed communal clashes and unrest in Nawada, Aurangabad, Bhagalpur, Nalanda, Munger, Ara, Samastipur, Araria and Darbhanga districts around Ram Navami.
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