The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a Hanuman Jayanti preparations advisory to all states and union territories (UTs), urging them to maintain law and order.
According to the MHA, state governments are encouraged to maintain law and order, observe the festival peacefully, and monitor any factors that may disrupt communal harmony in society.
The warning comes amid reports of violence in the run-up to Ram Navami, particularly in West Bengal and Bihar.
Just before the MHA order, the Calcutta High Court directed the West Bengal government to seek central forces for Hanuman Jayanti due to unrest in parts of the state since Ram Navami.
“The state government should demand that central forces be deployed for Hanuman Jayanti.” No Hanuman Jayanti in areas where Section 144 is in effect,” directed the Calcutta High Court.
The Union Home Ministry requested a detailed report on Ram Navami violence in Howrah from the West Bengal government on Tuesday. This came just days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah met with Governor CV Ananda Bose to assess the state’s current situation, particularly in violence-prone areas of Howrah.
According to sources, the home ministry requested a detailed report from the West Bengal government on the Ram Navami violence in Howrah.
During the festivities on March 30, two groups clashed. According to police, several vehicles were set on fire and shops in the area were ransacked. Several people have been arrested in relation to the violence in Howrah.
The Calcutta High Court direction also comes amid the state government issuing guidelines for the police to be more cautious ahead of Hanuman Jayanti in order to avoid any untoward incident.
The state government has directed police to conduct strict monitoring and vigil in sensitive areas, with an emphasis on vulnerable areas. Every police officer stationed in such areas has been instructed to use a police body camera. The state government has also directed police to prevent the spread of rumours and to take harsh action against those who do so.
The West Bengal government has also directed police to monitor social media posts and take harsh measures against those who spread false information. Police officers have also been instructed to meet with community leaders in order to maintain social harmony. All processions will be overseen by superior officers.