Hold community meetings: Yogi to officials

To check the repeat of a Kasganj-like incident, chief minister Yogi Adityanath has directed the officials of all the districts to hold meetings with the members of Hindu and Muslim communities to ensure peaceful celebration of Holi.

On January 26, a person was killed and dozens injured in communal clashes during Tiranga Yatra in Kasganj.

The CM has asked the officers to ensure there is no dispute between the two communities over festivities.

Yogi directed the district magistrates and superintendents of police of all the districts to remain alert and complete preparations before the festival.

He also reviewed the preparations at all the 75 districts through video conferencing on Sunday.

“Hold meetings of peace committees involving influential members of both the communities at police station, tehsil and district level. Adequate security should be provided for traditional ‘shobha yatras’ and processions taken out in various cities,” Yogi told officials.

He said proper security should be ensured at sensitive spots and videography of the processions be done.

The SSP of Muzaffarnagar had on Monday circulated an appeal among Muslims not to react violently even if they are provoked during Holi celebrations.

Yogi said the officers should not permit any new programmes. “If there is any dispute, the administration should hold meetings between the two communities and resolve the issue,” he said.

He also directed the officers not to permit Holi bonfire near commercial and residential establishments. Ordering crackdown on gangs involved in extortion and illicit liquor smuggling, he said there should be no road

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