UP DGP tells cops to stop communal violence

UP DGP O. P. Singh has issued a 18- point circular to all field officials, listing directives on maintaining law and order and dealing with communally volatile situations.

The circular — first after Mr Singh took charge as head of the state police force — asks the police chiefs to ensure communal harmony in their areas.

The circular is significant since it comes after the recent Republic Day clashes that began over a dispute over the route of a ‘ Tiranga rally’ and turned into communal riots.

“Identify the group which creates communal problem immediately after the incident and take action without any delay against the erring group. Senior officials should rush to the spot themselves if miscreants try to vitiate communal tension and initiate action against responsible persons,” the directive said.

The DGP has asked the local intelligence units and the people to provide inputs of any conspiracy that is known to them to disturb the communal harmony. He has further directed the district police chiefs to make the warring groups sit together and resolve any issues they may have.

The DGP underlined the use of electronic equipment such as CCTV cameras and drones, in sensitive areas to identify unruly members of the mob.

He said that the routes, on which religious procession, shobha yatras, or other religious group events are to be held, should be sensitised well in advance.