Sambalpur: Revenue Divisional Commissioner, Sachin R Jadhav took stock of the elaborate arrangements for the peaceful celebration of Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti in the district, where violence reported in the past year.
Shri Jadhav said the entire District Administration and District Police has geared up to ensure smooth celebration of the two important Hindu festivals after Orissa High Court gave a green signal for Hanuman Jayanti processions in Sambalpur.
A high-level meeting was conducted here in under the chairmanship of RDC Shri Jadhavin which IGP Himanshu Lal, Collector, Siddheswar Baliram Bondar, SP Mukesh K Bhamoo with representatives from both Hindu and Muslim communities for peaceful completion of the festivals.
RDC Shri Jadhav said Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti festivals are celebrated in Sambalpur every year in a bigger way. This year too, the two festivals will be celebrated in a massive way and the district will show its way to the entire state.
All arrangements will be made to maintain law and order, to curb spread of rumour or any type of misinformation in social media, he said.
Besides, proper lighting & illumination will be made and drinking water facility will be provided for the people to participate in the procession, the RDC said.
All the officials have been asked not to leave the headquarters.
IGP Himanshu Lal said tight security arrangements have been made for the two festivals. Apart from capable officers of Odisha police, CRPF and BSF personnel will provide security at the district headquarters town, he said.
The entire city has been put under CCTV surveillance and an integrated control room has been established at the office of SP to monitor the movement of suspects throughout day and night, Lal said.
Security forces have already started conducting flagmarch in different area of Sambalpur town.
Speaking to the media, Sambalpur SP Mukesh Kumar Bhamoo said that two companies of the Border Security Force (BSF) and one company of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) will be deployed in the district during Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti celebrations.
Additionally, 12 platoons of police forces will also be stationed to ensure smooth and peaceful celebrations. The security arrangements have been made to prevent any untoward incidents and to facilitate the safe conduct of the festivals, he said.
The SP appealed to everyone to celebrate the festival without spreading any negativity. There will be zero tolerance for the wrongdoers, he warned.
The Orissa High Court on last Wednesday directed the government to take adequate measures to ensure peaceful Hanuman Jayanti procession scheduled to be held in Sambalpur city between April 6 and 14.
In 2023, large-scale violence broke out during Hanuman Jayanti celebrations in Sambalpur, leading to clashes and significant property damage. Subsequently, authorities imposed a curfew and suspended internet services to restore law and order.