Kolkata: With emotions running high well before Indian and Pakistan clash for Champions Trophy in Dubai, the West Bengal government on Sunday directed the police to increase vigil and take stringent action against mischief makers.
Patrolling will also be increased in areas that have a history of violence after such events.
“We have already got in touch with local clubs and told the members to curb their emotions. Celebrations should be held in a manner so as not to cause inconvenience for others. This is just a cricket match between two traditional rivals and no other angle should be brought in,” a senior Kolkata Police official said.
The Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal has already been targeted by the Opposition, primarily the BJP, for its alleged appeasement policy. A few days ago, four BJP legislators, including LoP Suvendu Adhikari were suspended from the Assembly for a month for raising the issue during the budget session.
According to another police officer, there have been instances in the past when mischievous people have attempted to create communal strife by bursting firecrackers at inopportune moments. All police stations have been ordered to keep a watch on such elements, particularly near sensitive areas.
“If necessary, we shall be stopping the movement of people in large groups towards certain locations. We shall also be checking the movement of bikes. It being a Sunday and with the cricket match scheduled, most people will be indoors after 2.30 pm. If we find people moving around in groups after that, they will be asked the reason for such movement,” he said.
Similar steps will also be taken in the suburbs and districts. In some places, hostel wardens have also been told to keep watch as there could be boarders from other states, who may be targeted for no reason.
“The odds are in India’s favour and nearly every person who watches cricket will be rooting for the team. However, anything is possible in cricket, as they say. The fans should be prepared for that and not take things too seriously,” an official of the state home department said.
Meanwhile, locals organized a Devi Kali Puja and Yagya in Bidhannagar area to seek blessings for the Indian cricket team’s victory.
