GG News Bureau
Patna, 27th Sept. In a bid to maintain law and order during the upcoming Durga Puja festival, the Bihar government has cancelled all leave for police personnel and officers from October 5 to October 16, 2024. The directive was issued by Additional Director General (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar, instructing district SSPs, SPs, commandants of Bihar police battalions, and principals of the Bihar police academy to enforce this measure within their jurisdictions.
This precautionary step comes following instructions from Bihar Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Raj, emphasizing the importance of ensuring peace and preventing communal tensions during a time marked by large gatherings and significant religious celebrations. Durga Puja, a major cultural and religious event in eastern India, especially in states like West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand, draws immense crowds for its 10-day festivities.
The government’s decision is particularly significant given the recent crisis in neighboring Bangladesh, prompting authorities in Bihar to remain on high alert. Sensitive areas, particularly the Seemanchal districts—Kishanganj, Katihar, Purnea, and Araria—are especially monitored due to their proximity to the international border, making them susceptible to communal unrest.
In addition to Seemanchal, other districts, including Begusarai, Bhagalpur, Munger, West Champaran, East Champaran, and Darbhanga, have been identified as vulnerable during religious celebrations. These areas have a history of communal tensions, thus requiring increased vigilance to ensure safety and harmony throughout the Durga Puja festivities.
Past incidents show the necessity for such measures. Notably, during the idol immersion procession in Munger on October 26, 2020, violence erupted, resulting in the death of a 22-year-old man and injuries to at least 13 police personnel and seven civilians due to stone-pelting and firing.
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