Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is working relentlessly to eradicate any possibility of communal tension during Muharram. According to Indian Express report, the UP police in four districts- Amroha, Rampur, Sambhal and Bareilly- have issued ‘red cards’ to people deemed prone to disturb the peace and harmony of the society during Muharram processions. Muharram commenced on 12th September and will conclude on September 21.
The red cards mention ‘do’s and do not’s’ for the procession. Some sheets have been also attached with the cards which provide information on criminal charges that can be called into use against those who dare not to comply with the instructions. Quantum of sentences under these charges has been clearly mentioned. The red cards were served to all the suspected troublemakers just a week before the starting of Muharram.
According to the instructions mentioned on the red cards, no one is allowed to spread rumors against any community be it Hindu, Muslim or anyone else. Use of any objectionable words against any religion is strictly prohibited. The cards also warn against any hindrance to Muharram processions. The police strictly directed that to use only old routes for the procession and introducing new traditions such using DJ etc are not allowed. Section 144 CrPC is in force, so the participants in the procession are not allowed to possess any weapons.
In Sambhal, Amroha and Bareilly police have issued red cards to 750, 1200 and 2,000 people respectively. Additional Superintendent of Police, Sambhal, Pankaj Kumar Pandey said, “If anyone is found violating the directives, legal action will be taken against them.”
Additional Superintendent of Police, Amroha, Brajesh Singh said, “These notices were sent to them around 10 days before the processions started. ‘Red card’ notices are served to people who are suspected to be troublemakers, irrespective of their caste and religion.”
Rampur Superintendent of Police, Shiv Hari Meena said, “These red cards are warning notices issued by police to nuisance creators.”
Bareilly (Rural) Assistant Superintendent of Police, Dr Satish Kumar said, “The red card notices were issued to put psychological pressure on nuisance creators. This is a kind of preventive measure taken by police.”
Earlier, during Kanwar Yatra also CM Yogi has made adequate arrangement to prevent any communal clash. It also kept anti-social elements in check. Communal forces especially target festivals in order to sow seeds of discord in the society. So, it becomes really important to pay special attention to ensure that the festivals of all the communities are being carried out safely without any hindrance and obstruction. Yogi government gives equal treatment to all but for some people- preferential treatment to a particular community means equal treatment to all. It is because equal treatment to all and taking strict steps against anti-social elements that law and order situation of UP has improved a lot since the advent of CM Yogi into power.
