Celebrate Ram Navami, don’t incite violence, urges top cop
Times of India | 3 April 2025
12 Kolkata: Police would ensure no one faced any problem celebrating Ram Navami but at the same time, they would use the toughest sections of law to apprehend anyone trying to incite trouble, said Kolkata Police commissioner Manoj Verma on Wednesday.
"Everyone is welcome to celebrate the festival. But if anyone tries to create disturbance, action will be taken. We are here to ensure festivals are celebrated without hindrance," he said.
To make sure no incident of discord broke out on Ram Navami, senior Lalbazar officers pointed out, they had been working over the past two months, collecting intelligence on the celebration plans and even keeping a watch on speeches and posts that could incite possible hatred. "We have been working for two months to incorporate all inputs, received from various agencies and social media. We are monitoring the speeches, especially in sensitive areas," said an officer.
All rally routes, whether arterial or minor ones, will have police arrangements. "Celebrations can proceed as planned, but if anyone attempts to cause trouble, we will be prepared. We have given our teams thorough instructions," the CP said. Four bigger processions will be supervised by senior-most officers. "We have arranged for extra CCTV cameras on certain routes. The processions have been given different time slots to avoid any major pile-up," said an officer. A senior Lalbazar officer said gatherings without permission would not be allowed in sensitive spots.
Verma, who visited the proposed Ram Navami rally routes in south and east Kolkata on Tuesday, made his rounds of northern parts on Wednesday. He reminded everyone that they should follow the high court orders on use of arms. "The high court had laid down guidelines when some incidents occurred two-three years ago. All organisers and participants are bound by those guidelines, and we will ensure they are implemented," said the CP, without talking specifically about the possible brandishing of arms in some rallies. The commissioner said they had their eyes on the social media to combat fake news. "No one should believe rumours or social media messages. For any question, they can contact local police and we will help them. We will cooperate to ensure a peaceful celebration of Ram Navami," he said.
But police did express concern over "show of strength" despite the tight security. "Organisers tend to suddenly stray from their proposed routes. This has to be stopped, if required, through community intervention. We are holding community-level meetings. If the festival spirit is maintained, half of our job will be done," said an officer.