Patna: State chief secretary Pratyaya Amrit on Monday asked all district magistrates, SSPs and SPs to ensure 100% licensing of Muharram processions, strengthen peace committees in sensitive areas and strictly enforce restrictions on DJs, provocative songs, communal slogans and loudspeakers.The directions were issued during a review meeting on Muharram preparedness attended by DGP Vinay Kumar and senior administrative and police officials through the district network.Amrit said no Muharram procession would be allowed anywhere in the state without prior permission. He instructed district authorities to immediately convene peace committee meetings in sensitive police station and subdivision areas and involve local members in identifying antisocial elements.The chief secretary also ordered strict enforcement of existing rules governing loudspeakers. He said action should be taken against violations of prescribed decibel limits and permission should not be granted for loudspeaker use during prohibited night hours.The DGP directed police officers to intensify patrolling in communally sensitive areas already identified at the police station level and maintain close surveillance on non-traditional or disputed procession routes.Officials were also asked to maintain round-the-clock cyber monitoring to identify and act against those spreading hatred, inflammatory content or rumours on social media targeting any religion, caste or community. Police have been directed to promptly register FIRs under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in such cases.The DGP further ordered preventive action against suspected troublemakers. Officials said those found involved in antisocial activities would face arrest under non-bailable provisions.The administration has also prohibited controversial tableaux, objectionable caricatures and any display capable of creating communal tension. The open display of lethal, sharp or illegal weapons beyond licence conditions has been banned, while organisers will be required to furnish adequate security bonds through the subdivisional administration.Flood, drought preparedness reviewed: Chief secretary Pratyaya Amrit on Monday reviewed Bihar’s preparedness for possible floods and drought at a meeting and asked all departments and district administrations to remain alert, ensure timely availability of resources and work in close coordination to tackle any emergency. Disaster management department principal secretary Santosh Kumar Mall briefed the meeting on monsoon trends and preparedness measures while Bihar Weather Service Centre director Dr C N Prabhu presented the weather forecast. Divisional commissioners and district officials joined the meeting virtually.
