As Shab-e-Barat draws near, Delhi Police has begun the exercise to contain hooliganism on the roads of the national Capital.
Delhi Police has roped in 20 Imams of different mosques in the city to impress upon those participating in nightlong worship, vigil and prayers to be disciplined and visit the graves of their loved ones in a dignified manner. Delhi Police Commissioner BS Bassi held a meeting with all field officers and warned them of serious consequences in the event of any disturbance in their areas during Shab-e-Barat.
All Station House Officers (SHOs) have been asked to be vigilant and seek the help of respectable citizens of the Muslim community in ensuring peace on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday.
Imams have distributed leaflets and pamphlets advising those coming to offer prayers that indulging in rowdyism will be construed as contravention of the law hence people should visit the graves quietly and return.
A senior Delhi Police officer said during last Friday’s prayers the Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Ahmed Bhukhari urged members of the community to exercise restraint while praying for the dead. He asked the community, especially the youth to be cautious and not indulge in any histrionics or antics that may impinge upon the law of the land.
Delhi Police have also decided to deploy a reserve force to ensure that the bikers don’t turn away from picket points. “Water cannons and tear gas guns will be deployed at prominent picket points, including Rajpath and Purana Qila. Twenty two videographers will also be present to record and monitor the situation. We convened a meeting and have requested the religious leaders to advice the youth not to engage in any histrionics as it is a pious occasion. Elaborate arrangements have been made,” said Additional Commissioner of Police (New Delhi district), SBS Tyagi.
He said all SHOs have been instructed to keep in touch with the Imams and influential members of Muslim community and take their help in counselling those who will be visiting the graves. The public address systems of the mosques are being utilized to convey to those coming to offer prayers that any act that violates the law will be dealt with accordingly and those found involved in rowdyism should desist from such antics while visiting the graves.
Delhi Police have made elaborate arrangements for the upcoming Shab-e-Barat that will fall on the intervening night of June 12 and 13. last year on the same day dangerous riding and stunts were performed by bikers in and around India Gate and all across New Delhi district. Three constables suffered grievous injuries due to the hooliganism of the bikers.
last year the New Delhi district police had installed 51 picket points but this time the number has been increased to 65 picket points all across the districts. Special emphasis is being laid on picket points of border areas such as those near East, Central, South and South-East districts.
Delhi Police officials held a review meeting with the Imam’s of various mosques on June 2 to seek their help in making police arrangements for Shab-e-Barat.Some Imam’s have volunteered to be present at major picket points in the area for on-the-spot counseling of the youths. The Imams also told the police about a few youths learning bike stunts in the Walled City area and Hauz Qazi area of South Delhi and appealed to the police to keep tabs on such youngsters.