The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued an advisory to all the states and Union territories ahead of the celebration of Hanuman Jayanti, urging the governments to ensure the maintenance of law and order, peaceful observance of the festival, and monitoring of any factors that could disturb communal harmony in society.
The advisory comes in the wake of recent incidents of violence in some states including Bihar, Bengal, and Maharashtra on the occasion of Ram Navami last week. The MHA's move is seen as a proactive step to prevent any untoward incidents from occurring during Hanuman Jayanti.
The Delhi Police have also taken steps to ensure the safety of the people during Hanuman Jayanti. They conducted a flag march in the Jahangirpuri area ahead of the festival and have denied permission to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and another group to undertake processions in the area.
Last year, communal clashes had erupted in this area on Hanuman Jayanti, injuring eight cops and a local resident. The police are taking no chances this year and have tightened security measures to ensure the safety of the people.
The state of West Bengal witnessed ugly violence in Howrah and Hooghly on the occasion of Ram Navami this year. In response, the Calcutta High Court has asked the state government to requisition central forces to assist the police in maintaining peace during Hanuman Jayanti.
The court has also directed the Centre to make swift arrangements for such deployment on receipt of requisition from the state. The court said that in view of events in the recent past, the order was being given to assure the general public that they are safe and will not be affected by any disturbance.