To ensure a 'safe' Holi, RAF officers to be stationed in Lucknow, Kanpur & 18 other UP districts

In order to ensure the safety and security of the citizens in the state, the Uttar Pradesh government has planned to station officers of Rapid Action Force (RAF) in Lucknow, Kanpur and at least 18 other districts for the upcoming Holi festival. Proposed to be executed in the areas which have been spotted as 'hypersensitive', this measure shall mitigate the possibilities of any untoward incident during the festivities.

Drones to conduct surveillance of vulnerable locations

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Other towns in the list of vulnerable locations include Agra, Aligarh, Prayagraj, Ambedkar Nagar, Azamgarh, Bahraich, Balrampur, Bareilly, Bulandshahr, Ayodhya, Gonda, Gorakhpur, Mau, Meerut, Moradabad, Shravasti, Varanasi and Sambhal. Talking about the latest steps, the Additional Director General of Law and Order said, "The move is to ensure that Holi is celebrated in a peaceful manner. There are 1.4 lakh spots across the state for the 'Holika Dahan on the eve of the festival. Last year, 19 minor incidents were reported during this period."

Speaking of the proactive initiatives taken by the state administration and police department, the officer remarked that the count of adverse incidents has witnessed a significant downfall since 2016. Amidst a long list of measures being implemented in the state this year, the most notable ones include the positioning of RAF officers and surveillance through drones. Further, the senior police officer acquainted that authorities have categorised different regions across the state as 'sensitive' and 'hypersensitive', prior to the execution of these steps.

Police Department to keep a strict watch on all processions and gatherings

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In the aforementioned cities, companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary have been stationed in addition to the local forces and the fire department. The ADG also affirmed that the police department will keep a strict eye on miscreants who have been charged with offences in similar cases previously. He has instructed the police chiefs to complete investigations in all such cases from the past on a priority basis. Additionally, the police authorities will make sure that the festivities are not hampered by unforeseen circumstances, maintaining a check on all gatherings and processions.