UP govt directs officials not to leave headquarters on Eid

Lucknow: Ahead of Eid festival, the Uttar Pradesh government has directed the district and police officials not to leave their headquarters "under any circumstances" and ensure that peace and communal harmony is maintained in their jurisdiction.

"Festival of Eid is likely to be celebrated on July 6. In light of Ramzan and forthcoming Eid festival, the officers are directed by Chief Secretary not to leave their headquarters under any circumstances," an official spokesman said.

He said the officers have been directed that they must ensure communal harmony and peace at all costs in their jurisdiction.

"It is a general directive and all the officers have been asked to remain vigilant," the spokesman said, when asked whether any threat to peace and communal harmony was being apprehended.

In Kanpur, one of the major districts of Uttar Pradesh, SSP Shalabh Mathur said police, civil defence personnel and CID have been asked to remain alert.

He said arrangements have been made to check spread of any kind of rumours during the festival.

Strict vigil is being maintained in sensitive areas and videography would be carried out to identify any mischief maker, the SSP said.

Apart from these, Idgah and approach roads have been cleaned and traffic restrictions have been imposed, so that those coming for prayers do not face problem, he said.