PEACE COMMITTEE MEETING TO ENSURE PEACEFUL FESTIVALS

PEACE COMMITTEE MEETING TO ENSURE PEACEFUL FESTIVALS

19-MARCH-ENG 2

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------A crucial meeting of the District-Level Peace Committee was organized at the Collectorate Auditorium in Arrah to ensure the peaceful and harmonious observance of the upcoming festivals—Eid, Sarhul, Ram Navami, and Chaiti Chhath Puja—in 2026. Administrative and police officials, along with members of the District Peace Committee, participated in the meeting; engaging in detailed discussions on various points, they arrived at several key decisions. During the meeting, it was announced that this year, Eid will be celebrated on March 20 or 21, 2026 (depending on the sighting of the moon), while Chaiti Chhath Puja will be observed on March 24 and 25. Furthermore, the main Ram Navami procession is scheduled to take place on March 27, and the immersion of Chaiti Durga Puja idols will be conducted on March 28. The *Kalash Sthapana* (ritual pot installation) for Chaiti Durga Puja is scheduled for March 19. Presiding over the meeting, District Magistrate Sanjay Sultania issued strict directives regarding the maintenance of law and order. He stated that the Ram Navami procession must strictly follow its pre-determined route—proceeding along that specific path and returning via the same route. An adequate number of magistrates and police personnel will be deployed along the procession routes. Additionally, a complete ban on the use of DJs will remain in force, and members of the Peace Committee will also be present alongside the administration. To further bolster security arrangements, videography of the processions and other related activities will be conducted. Magistrates and videographers will be deployed alongside patrolling teams to maintain special vigilance over sensitive areas. The District Magistrate directed all Block Development Officers, Circle Officers, and Station House Officers to convene Peace Committee meetings within their respective jurisdictions to raise awareness among the public. A stern warning was also issued regarding strict action against individuals found spreading rumors on social media platforms. Amarendra Chaubey—an advocate, member of the District Peace Committee, and State Spokesperson for the BJP Yuva Morcha—stated that any rumors circulating on platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook should be immediately reported to the administration. He emphasized the need to publicize the contact number of the District Control Room, enhance surveillance in sensitive areas, ensure road cleanliness, and repair faulty streetlights. Municipal Commissioner Anju Kumari gave assurances that, in view of the upcoming festivals, the city's sanitation and lighting systems would be fully restored. Meanwhile, Omprakash Munna highlighted the necessity of keeping the administrative machinery alert and efficient. Anil Prajapati called for ensuring the cleanliness of the ghats (riverbanks) in light of the Chaiti Chhath festival. Mazhar Hasnain, Secretary of Madrasa Faizul Ghurba, stressed the need for improved sanitation arrangements for Eid and Ram Navami, noting that the exact date for Eid would be determined only after the sighting of the moon. Dr. Jitendra Shukla suggested imposing a ban on the movement of heavy vehicles in the city to address the issue of traffic congestion. Abdul Wahab raised a demand for the repair of the city's dilapidated roads. Furthermore, Shambhu Chaurasia suggested keeping meat and fish shops closed during the festive period. The Sub-Divisional Officer (Sadar) gave assurances that the administration would monitor social media, deploy additional police forces at sensitive locations, and ensure that processions follow only their designated routes. Issuing strict directives, the District Magistrate stated that no official's mobile phone should remain switched off; failure to comply would result in disciplinary action. Finally, the District Magistrate instructed all officials to ensure preparations are carried out with mutual coordination, to erect barricades at necessary locations, and to maintain a robust security apparatus. He expressed confidence that, with the cooperation of all communities, the festivals of Eid, Ram Navami, and Chaiti Durga Puja would be celebrated in Bhojpur district peacefully and with great enthusiasm. All senior district officials and members of the District Peace Committee were present at the meeting.