High alert in UP as Muharram and Kanwar Yatra coincide; authorities deploy drones, CCTV and extra forces; all you need to know
NEW DELHI: The Uttar Pradesh administration has strengthened security arrangements across several districts including Lucknow, Sambhal, and Moradabad to ensure peace and avoid any disruption, as Muharram processions and the Kanwar Yatra are being held at the same time.
Large crowds gathered for Muharram processions across different regions, while preparations for the Kanwar Yatra are also underway. Police personnel have been deployed in all sensitive areas, and surveillance is being carried out using drones and CCTV cameras.
In Sambhal
District Magistrate Dr Rajender Pensiya while speaking to ANI, “We have held various peace committee meetings at the village, neighbourhood, and district levels. In these discussions, people from all sides were invited. All communities were called, and their issues related to electricity, water, and other problems were addressed. Clear instructions have been given to inform us if any issues arise.”
He further added, “We have appointed magistrates at every location, accompanied by police officers. Any procession, whether for Kanwar Yatra or Muharram, will be conducted in a box format, with our officers stationed on all four sides. Continuous monitoring is also being carried out through drones. Currently, we have over 13,000 CCTV cameras integrated. All necessary arrangements are in place, and action is underway to ban more than 900 persons. Section 163 is in effect. We are confident that everything will be conducted peacefully.”
In Lucknow
The police have taken additional precautions, especially in the western part of the city, known as Old Lucknow, which is considered particularly sensitive during Muharram.
DCP Lucknow West Vishwajeet Srivastava while speaking to ANI, “During Muharram, Lucknow's western zone, also called Old Lucknow, remains highly sensitive. There is always a zonal sector system 24/7 here. Separate arrangements are made for the processions held in this area.”
He explained the multi-layered security setup: “The first moves with the procession in a box formation, the second handles route arrangements, and the third is stationed at key locations of the procession. CCTV cameras have been installed at 82 locations. Volunteers from the Civil Defence Organisation are also present. Three types of drones have been deployed. Our social media team is fully active, and we are in constant communication with religious leaders.”
In Moradabad
District Magistrate Anuj Kumar Singh said police were remaining vigilant and making thorough arrangements to ensure peaceful observance of both events.
“A Peace Committee meeting was held with the people, instructing them on Taziya's height and children's participation,” he said.
Speaking about preparations for the Kanwar Yatra, he added, “We are preparing for the Kanwar route. The road situation is good this time. We inspected it yesterday, and PWD and municipal bodies are working to resolve the remaining issues.”
He also stated, “Cameras are being installed on the Kanwar Yatra route... Additionally, we have identified individuals who played negative roles during past events, and efforts are underway to ban them to maintain peace... DJs are also instructed to control their volume.”
Authorities across these districts are working closely with community leaders and local organisations to maintain harmony, with real-time surveillance and preventive action at the centre of the state’s security strategy.
Large crowds gathered for Muharram processions across different regions, while preparations for the Kanwar Yatra are also underway. Police personnel have been deployed in all sensitive areas, and surveillance is being carried out using drones and CCTV cameras.
In Sambhal
District Magistrate Dr Rajender Pensiya while speaking to ANI, “We have held various peace committee meetings at the village, neighbourhood, and district levels. In these discussions, people from all sides were invited. All communities were called, and their issues related to electricity, water, and other problems were addressed. Clear instructions have been given to inform us if any issues arise.”
He further added, “We have appointed magistrates at every location, accompanied by police officers. Any procession, whether for Kanwar Yatra or Muharram, will be conducted in a box format, with our officers stationed on all four sides. Continuous monitoring is also being carried out through drones. Currently, we have over 13,000 CCTV cameras integrated. All necessary arrangements are in place, and action is underway to ban more than 900 persons. Section 163 is in effect. We are confident that everything will be conducted peacefully.”
In Lucknow
The police have taken additional precautions, especially in the western part of the city, known as Old Lucknow, which is considered particularly sensitive during Muharram.
DCP Lucknow West Vishwajeet Srivastava while speaking to ANI, “During Muharram, Lucknow's western zone, also called Old Lucknow, remains highly sensitive. There is always a zonal sector system 24/7 here. Separate arrangements are made for the processions held in this area.”
He explained the multi-layered security setup: “The first moves with the procession in a box formation, the second handles route arrangements, and the third is stationed at key locations of the procession. CCTV cameras have been installed at 82 locations. Volunteers from the Civil Defence Organisation are also present. Three types of drones have been deployed. Our social media team is fully active, and we are in constant communication with religious leaders.”
In Moradabad
District Magistrate Anuj Kumar Singh said police were remaining vigilant and making thorough arrangements to ensure peaceful observance of both events.
“A Peace Committee meeting was held with the people, instructing them on Taziya's height and children's participation,” he said.
Speaking about preparations for the Kanwar Yatra, he added, “We are preparing for the Kanwar route. The road situation is good this time. We inspected it yesterday, and PWD and municipal bodies are working to resolve the remaining issues.”
He also stated, “Cameras are being installed on the Kanwar Yatra route... Additionally, we have identified individuals who played negative roles during past events, and efforts are underway to ban them to maintain peace... DJs are also instructed to control their volume.”
Authorities across these districts are working closely with community leaders and local organisations to maintain harmony, with real-time surveillance and preventive action at the centre of the state’s security strategy.
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