No Mercy for Miscreants and Rumor-Mongers on Muharram; DM Kaushal Kumar Issues Strict Administrative Directives, Unprecedented Security Arrangements in Place

No Mercy for Miscreants and Rumor-Mongers on Muharram; DM Kaushal Kumar Issues Strict Administrative Directives, Unprecedented Security Arrangements in Place

High-Level Meeting: District Peace Committee meeting concludes at the Collectorate Auditorium under the chairmanship of District Magistrate (DM) Kaushal Kumar.

Zero-Tolerance Policy: Swift legal action to be taken against anti-social elements and miscreants attempting to disturb communal harmony.

Digital Vigil: Cyber Cell to maintain a 24-hour watch on social media platforms and provocative posts; WhatsApp Group Admins to be held equally liable.

Civic Amenities: Ultimatum issued for special cleanliness drives, spraying of lime-bleaching powder along procession routes, and fixing dangling overhead power lines.

Health Alert: DMCH and all Primary Health Centers (PHCs) placed on high alert; medical camps and ambulances to be stationed at sensitive intersections.

Special Correspondent, Darbhanga

The Darbhanga district administration has moved into full 'action mode' to ensure that the upcoming Muharram festival passes off peacefully, safely, and in an atmosphere of mutual brotherhood. Aimed at preserving the district's historic syncretic culture and maintaining law and order, a high-level meeting of the District Peace Committee was convened at the Collectorate Auditorium under the chairmanship of District Magistrate (DM) Kaushal Kumar. The crucial meeting was attended by the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC), all Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs), Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPOs), prominent citizens, and central peace committee members.

During the meeting, DM Kaushal Kumar and the police chief made it unequivocally clear that the administration will deal stringently with anyone trying to create a ruckus, incite communal tension, or disrupt peace during the festival. Concurrently, time-bound instructions were issued to ensure uninterrupted basic civic amenities like cleanliness, continuous power supply, clean drinking water, and emergency medical services for the general public.

'Administrative Surgical Strike' on Anti-Social Elements; Drone Surveillance Activated

Prioritizing law and order above all else, DM Kaushal Kumar directed police officials to initiate immediate preventive action in their respective jurisdictions.

Action Under CCA and Section 107: All police stations have been instructed to review past records and update the list of anti-social elements who have a history of disrupting peace during festivals. Orders have been given to immediately bind them down under Section 107 of CrPC/BNSS and initiate cell-confinement or external deportation under the Crime Control Act (CCA) where necessary.

Eyes in the Sky and CCTV Cover: High-definition CCTV cameras are being installed along the main routes of the traditional processions and Tazia unification spots, especially at sensitive and hyper-sensitive intersections. For the first time, the administration will also utilize drone cameras to monitor trouble-makers from the sky in sensitive pockets. Video recording of every small or large Akhada and procession has been made mandatory.

Direct Warning to Rioters: The District Magistrate warned in clear terms, "Anyone playing with law and order will not be spared under any circumstances. If anyone attempts to disturb the peace, their destination will be straight behind bars."

Strict Vigil by 'Cyber Cell' on Social Media: Rumor-Mongers Face Immediate Arrest

Recognizing that rumors spreading like wildfire across the internet and social media are the root cause of communal friction, the district administration outlined a zero-tolerance digital strategy.

Joint Ultimatum by the DM and SSP: "The Cyber Cell of the district police is monitoring digital platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram round the clock. Anyone forwarding or sharing provocative posts, memes hurting religious sentiments, or fake news will face immediate arrest. Not only the person posting it, but the Group Admin of the respective WhatsApp group will also be booked under relevant sections of the law."

The administration urged citizens not to fall prey to unverified messages and to instantly report any suspicious digital activity or information to the District Control Room or the local police station.

Managing Basic Amenities: Special Focus on Health, Sanitation, and Electricity

Anticipating massive crowds at the Muharram Akhadas and processions, the District Magistrate ordered the immediate rectification of civic infrastructure:

Route Cleaning and Spraying of Lime-Bleaching Powder

The Municipal Commissioner and Executive Officers of all local municipal bodies have been sternly directed to ensure complete sanitation along the procession routes. Drains must be covered, waterlogged areas must be cleared immediately, and a generous amount of lime and bleaching powder must be sprayed to maintain hygiene and prevent the risk of infection.

DMCH and All District Hospitals Placed on Alert Mode

Reviewing the healthcare arrangements, the DM instructed the Civil Surgeon to place the Darbhanga Medical College Hospital (DMCH), all sub-divisional hospitals, and Primary Health Centers (PHCs) on a 24-hour alert.

Special medical camps will be set up at prime procession bottlenecks and Tazia confluence grounds, fully equipped with medical teams, life-saving drugs, and ORS packets.

To handle any sudden emergencies, a sufficient number of fire tenders and ambulances fitted with oxygen cylinders will be strategically deployed across key zones.

Ultimatum to Fix Dangling Overhead Power Cables

Since high-reaching traditional Tazias are carried during Muharram processions, loose or dangling electricity wires pose a catastrophic hazard. The Executive Engineer of the Electricity Department has been directed to physically verify all routes on a war footing and pull up loose cables. A framework for precautionary power cuts during the procession and alternative emergency lighting systems has also been mandated.

Total Ban on DJ Systems; Compliance with License Norms Mandatory

The Peace Committee unanimously agreed that strict action will be taken against Akhada committees violating administrative guidelines:

'No Tolerance' for DJs: Playing provocative, inflammatory, or high-volume DJ music is completely banned during Muharram processions. Only traditional instruments (Tasha, Dhol, etc.) are permitted. If any Akhada organizer violates this rule, a named FIR will be registered, and the DJ equipment will be seized on the spot.

Strict Route and Time Adherence: Processions will only be permitted for those Akhadas holding a valid administrative license. The route and timelines mentioned in the license must be strictly followed. Under no circumstances will permission be granted for any new or unapproved routes.

Peace Committee Members Urged to Act as 'Ambassadors of Peace'

In the concluding session of the meeting, DM Kaushal Kumar highlighted the crucial role of prominent citizens and peace committee members. He emphasized that no administrative system can be completely successful without the active cooperation of the public. He urged all members to act as 'Ambassadors of Peace' in their respective wards and panchayats and to resolve minor localized disputes through dialogue. Localized peace committee meetings will also be conducted at all police stations in the coming days.

This high-level meeting at the Darbhanga Collectorate is a clear indicator that the district administration is in no mood to compromise on law and order or public safety. Backed by stringent security protocols, digital surveillance, and proactive civic and healthcare preparation, it is certain that the festival of Muharram in Darbhanga will be observed with utmost solemnity, peace, safety, and communal harmony.