Bhubaneswar: Muharram festival is being observed across Odisha on Saturday. As part of measures to prevent any untoward incident, elaborate security arrangements have been made for the Tazia processions scheduled to be held in Bhadrak district on the occasion.
According to sources, as many as 41 processions are likely to be taken out in Bhadrak. The district administration has deployed 25 platoons of police force to maintain law and order situation during the procession.
A strict vigil is also being maintained on the processions with the help of drones and CCTV cameras.
While six processions are proceeding from Kacheri Bazar, seven are to originate from Chandan Bazar and Shankarpur. Similarly, around 25 processions will start from Purunabazar and Bankabazar area.
Adequate deployments have been made for Muharram procession to ensure peace during the festival. A close watch is being maintained in different areas of Bhadrak town, police said.
The police have urged people to refrain from spreading rumours on social media.
Earlier, Bhadrak Police had conducted a flag march in the district headquarters town on Thursday ahead of the observance of Muharram.The flag march, which was conducted jointly by Bhadrak Police and OSAF personnel, began from Goshala Square in Bhadrak and covered areas including Puruna Bazar, Santhia, Mochi Chhak, Kacheri Chhak, and reached Goshala Chhak.
Similarly, tight security has been put in place across Sambalpur city in view of the Muharram festival. This year, only a few localities have been allowed to observe the festival in a low-key manner to avoid any untoward incident.
No joint procession will be held during the Muharram festival in the city this time. Only eight localities have been allowed to observe Muharram with certain restrictions. People in these localities have been asked not to take out any elaborate procession. A specific area has been identified in each locality within which people will observe the festival. People have also been asked to maintain peace and law and order during the festival, police said
The eight localities where Muharram will be observed include Sunapali, Motijharan and Pensionpada which have a sizable Muslim population. This apart, Muharram will be observed in Modipara where a Hindu family is celebrating the festival since the last several years. Around 22 platoons of police force have been deployed across Sambalpur city, sources said.
