In a proactive move to safeguard communal peace, Jharkhand Police’s Special Branch has issued stringent guidelines to district administrations for the upcoming Holi festival. The alert comes amid concerns over overlapping religious observances and historical flare-ups, with clear instructions to avert any escalation.
Holika Dahan on March 3 will precede the main Holi revelry on March 4. The advisory notes persistent risks: enthusiastic color-throwing on unwilling participants from other faiths, especially near places of worship, and evening Holi parties clashing with Ramadan iftars. Such scenarios have previously led to tensions, with mischief-makers attempting to provoke riots.
All DCs, SSPs, and SPs received detailed missives referencing past Jharkhand incidents, equipping them to anticipate trouble spots. The focus is on preemptive action against forces that could shatter the state’s fragile communal balance.
Specific orders mandate documentation of all festive gatherings, from bonfire events to community meets, including participant numbers and organizers. Sensitive zones demand round-the-clock surveillance. Officers are to enforce bans on coercive color application, assess riot response readiness, and surveil anti-social individuals with histories of festival disruptions.
The crackdown extends to bootlegger networks proliferating during alcohol bans, unlicensed meat operations, and online hate-mongers on platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp. Mandatory peace committees, VIP movement tracking, and aggressive patrols against intoxicated drivers round out the strategy. Special Branch underscores the lethal dangers of fake liquor, urging immediate raids and arrests to prevent tragedies.
This robust framework reflects Jharkhand’s commitment to turning Holi into a symbol of unity rather than division, ensuring every citizen celebrates securely.