Ranchi: Ahead of Ram Navami celebrations, Chief Minister Hemant Soren held a high-level review meeting at his official residence in Ranchi to assess the state’s law and order preparedness. Stressing the importance of peaceful, harmonious, and safe observance of the festival, the Chief Minister issued clear instructions to senior administrative and police officials.
He directed that strict surveillance be maintained on elements attempting to spread rumours or disrupt public peace. Special attention is to be given to sensitive areas where the chances of disturbances during religious processions are higher. Soren emphasized that both licensed and unlicensed akhara committees must be provided with copies of the High Court’s order regarding the use of DJs during festivities. He further instructed officials to ensure that these committees are made fully aware of the legal consequences of violating the court’s directives.
A key concern raised by the Chief Minister was the growing trend of bike rallies during Ram Navami processions, which he said pose a risk to public safety. He ordered an immediate ban on such rallies, underscoring that the safety of citizens is a top priority. To maintain oversight and security, he asked the police to monitor processions using CCTV cameras and drones and to physically verify all major routes.
The Chief Minister also stressed the need for coordination with peace committees at the local level and called on the police to appeal to organizers and the public to refrain from playing any provocative or objectionable music during the events. He added that the safety of people returning home after attending processions must also be ensured.
In the event of any unrest or escalating situation, police officials have been directed to promptly inform the state headquarters and control room. If necessary, music systems may be temporarily shut down to help bring the situation under control. Soren reiterated that the police administration must remain fully alert and act decisively against any antisocial behaviour.
He also directed that constant feedback be gathered from regions with a history of large-scale processions, and that all efforts be made to ensure that traditional practices continue without any disruption. However, he made it clear that any new elements introduced into processions that threaten law and order must be stopped immediately. Stressing the need to avoid any communal tension, he called for swift action against misinformation and asked the administration to ensure that positive and reassuring messages reach the general public.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Avinash Kumar, Home Secretary Vandana Dadel, Director General of Police Anurag Gupta, ADG Operations Sanjay Anand Rao Latkar, IG Operations A.V. Homkar, IG Special Branch Prabhat Kumar, and SP Operations Amit Renu. Deputy Commissioners and senior police officials from various districts also participated via video conferencing.
Concluding the meeting, Chief Minister Hemant Soren said that Ram Navami is a festival of peace, brotherhood, and unity, and it is the collective responsibility of the administration to ensure that the celebrations are conducted in a spirit of harmony and mutual respect.