Festivals symbols of joy, not a medium to hurt anyone: Yogi

Lucknow: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday reviewed the law and order arrangements for the upcoming festivals and said that nobody should be allowed to act in a manner that humiliates or harasses any class, community or individual."Festivals are symbols of joy and brotherhood, not a medium to hurt anyone," he said.
The CM also directed the police and administration to take strict and exemplary action against any person who attempts to disturb the atmosphere during the upcoming festivals, including Holi, Ramzan, Eid, Navroz and Navratri. Calling the period sensitive from a law and order perspective, Yogi said incidents which occurred during the past 5 years should be reviewed and security arrangements be made accordingly. "If incidents spreading animosity in society occur anywhere in the state, the officers concerned will be held accountable. Police patrolling should be increased, special vigilance be maintained during processions and proper cleanliness arrangements ensured," he said. Ahead of Holi, the CM said meetings of Holika Dahan committees and peace committees must be held so that coordination and harmony are maintained. "Holika Dahan should take place only at safe locations and no obscene songs or music should be played anywhere on Holi," he said. In line with that, the CM added, loudspeakers must be removed. He stressed the need to further strengthen local intelligence and maintain continuous monitoring of social media, adding that a special watch should be kept on the activities of fake accounts and any misleading or rumour-spreading information should be swiftly countered by the local administration. "In view of the increase in movement of people on Holi, the transport corporation should operate additional buses. Only buses meeting fitness standards should be put into operation. Strict action should be ensured against private operators charging arbitrary fares. Transport corporation officials should go into the field and ensure convenience for the public," the CM said. Separaetely, chief secretary SP Goyal also held a meeting with DMs and police officials to crack down on illegal and spurious liquor ahead of Holi. The CS said liquor shops should not be kept closed unnecessarily for extended periods, as this could encourage illegal buying and selling of booze. "District administrations should take decisions regarding the closure of shops based on local conditions only, so that the system remains balanced and controlled," Goyal said. Directing officials to carry out inspections at liquor shops, inter- and intra-state borders, the CS directed the administration to launch a special campaign against illegal liquor. He said strict punitive action should be ensured against those violating the law and individuals involved in the production and sale of illegal liquor.