Security beefed up in Cachar ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, “Maximum 20 people can gather,” administration

The Cachar district administration issued an advisory on Friday for celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi on Saturday.

The order stated that a maximum of 20 people would be allowed to perform the puja during a specific time, strict compliance of social distancing norms, wearing masks and proper sanitisation of the puja areas.

All guidelines issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India and Government of Assam regarding COVID-19 protocols should be strictly complied with.

It further stated that concrete steps would be taken to keep a tab on rumour mongers so that social harmony is not disturbed. Besides stepping up of vigil over the circulation of communally provocative contents in social media and cyberspace to block such objectionable posts. All possible efforts will be made to maintain peace and social harmony, the order stated.

The administration has given suitable instructions to the law enforcement agencies to be alert in communally hypersensitive areas and sensitive areas to deal with any eventuality during the festival and thereafter.

Meanwhile, in view of the smooth and peaceful celebration of Ganesh Chaturthi, the administration has beefed up security in Silchar and other parts of the district.

The administration has deputed Executive Magistrates to look after specific areas. In an order issued to this effect on Friday, the administration has deputed Executive Magistrate cum Circle Officer, Sonai, Sudeep Nath to look after Sonai, Kachudaram and Dholai police station areas. Assistant Commissioner cum Executive Magistrate Deepmoy Thakuria will look after the law and order in Silchar Police Station areas while Circle Officer, Katigorah cum Executive Magistrate Pranjit Kumar Deb will look after Katigorah Police Station areas. Circle Officer, Udharbond cum Executive Magistrate Jayanta Chakrabarty will look after Udharbond and Borkhola Police Station areas.

“The Magistrates will take appropriate steps as they deem fit and proper to deal with the situation and they will report directly to the District Magistrate and Additional District Magistrate, Cachar Incharge Magistracy Branch” the order stated.