Indore (Madhya Pradesh): The men in khaki are going an extra mile to ensure peace in view of the overlap of two religious occasions, Holi and second Friday (Jumma) of Ramzan, falling on the same day (March 14). The stakes are high across the nation but the recent communal violence in Mhow has shifted the spotlight on Indore.

Small wonder the cops have decided to put elements with a history of involvement in communal flare-ups behind bars, beef up security around mosques, call in additional forces and increase patrolling. 

Sharing details of the preparations, additional commissioner (law & order) Amit Singh said that to ensure a peaceful Holi, Rangpanchmi and Eid celebrations in Indore, the city police would implement preventive measures, including activating peace committees, deploying extra security in sensitive areas and taking stern action against those causing mischief. “We will take preventive action against anti-social elements with prior criminal records related to communal disputes and ensure they are sent to jail, guaranteeing a safe and harmonious Holi for all citizens. The police will take legal action against them under Sections 110 and 151 of the CrPC, and also extern some of them,” Singh said.

He said that additional forces would be deployed in communal hotspots where harmony could be disrupted, based on the area’s requirements. Each police station would receive an additional 4-5 vehicles for patrolling, ensuring regular surveillance in different areas. The police would closely monitor inflammatory messages or posts that could incite communal tensions.

Peace committee meetings

Police officers will hold peace committee meetings with those attending Juma namaz, urging them to avoid conflicts and maintain social harmony. If someone mistakenly threw colour on them, they should not react impulsively or take it otherwise. However, if anyone mischievously threw colours on people going for Friday prayers, strict legal action would be taken.  

2,000 police personnel to be deployed

To maintain law and order, a large force of 2,000 police personnel will be deployed across the city, accompanied by additional forces from different districts. The police will be equipped with all necessary resources to ensure vigilance and security. Activities will be closely monitored using CCTV cameras and drones. Riot control equipment and vehicles will also be on standby to handle any untoward incidents.

Red and yellow notices

To maintain peace during Holi and Ramzan, the police are issuing ‘Red Notices’ and ‘Yellow Notices’ to habitual offenders and publicly parading them in their localities. After being bound over, they are also being warned against committing any crime in the city and are made to take an oath not to engage in criminal activities in future. The notices issued to offenders are in red as a reminder that any further crimes may result in strict police action.

"Commissioner of Police Santosh Kumar Singh has instructed all officers for zero tolerance toward anti-social elements and hooliganism to ensure peaceful Holi, Rangpanchmi and Eid celebrations in Indore. Those who spoil Holi will spend their festival in jail. I urge everyone to help maintain peace and harmony during the festivities, as fostering brotherhood remains a collective responsibility.” - Amit Singh, Additional Commissioner of Police (Law & Order)