No religious processions or marches without state permission, orders Yogi

After the recent clashes in Delhi’s Jahangirpuri area, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who chaired a law-and-order review meeting on Monday (April 18) has decided to bar religious processions or marches that do not have prior permission. Moreover, permissions to hold the processions and marches will only be granted after the organisers submit an affidavit promising that they will maintain peace and harmony.

According to the UP CM Yogi Adityanath, who issued a bunch of new directions, said that there were many important religious festivals coming up. “The month of Ramadan is going on. Eid festival and Akshaya Tritiya are likely to be on the same day. (in early May) In such a situation, considering the current environment, the police will have to be extra sensitive,” he warned.

The government has also refused to permit microphones at any new places and people already using loudspeakers should ensure the volume does not disturb anyone, the statement said. Pointing out that everyone has the freedom to follow his method of worship according to his religious ideology, the CM noted, “Although mikes can be used, make sure the sound does not come out of the premises. Other people should not have any problem.”

Religious programmes can happen only at designated spots and road routes and traffic will not be blocked, said a statement issued by the government.

Also read: Yogi’s first move in second term: Extending free ration scheme for 15 crore people

On Monday, the state government cancelled the leaves of all police and administrative officials in the state till May 4 and asked all those on leave to report within 24 hours, news agency PTI reported.

All the police officers upto the ADG level were told to hold dialogues with religious leaders and eminent personalities within the next 24 hours to ensure peace  during the upcoming festivals.

Yogi Adityanath wanted additional police forces to be deployed in sensitive areas and drones used for maintaining vigil on the sitaution. “Every evening, the police force must do foot patrolling and police response vehicles (PRVs) should remain active,” he said during the law and order review meeting with senior officials.

The safety of every single citizen in Uttar Pradesh is the primary responsibility of the government and the people, said the CM, adding that everyone should alert and careful about this responsibility of ours.