Lucknow: Extending greetings to citizens on the auspicious occasion of Holi, Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna issued a firm message on maintaining law and order, stating that the Uttar Pradesh Police will adopt a strict zero-tolerance policy against any attempt to disturb peace during the festival.
The DGP emphasized that elaborate security arrangements have been put in place across all districts to ensure that people can celebrate without fear. The state has been divided into sectors and zones to strengthen monitoring and response mechanisms. Additional police personnel, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) units, and paramilitary forces have been deployed in communally and security-sensitive areas.
Crowded marketplaces and Holika Dahan sites are being monitored round-the-clock using drone cameras and CCTV surveillance. According to directives issued from the Police Headquarters, social media cells have been activated to track and counter misinformation. The DGP warned that strict action, including invocation of the National Security Act (NSA), could be taken against individuals spreading rumors or inflammatory content aimed at hurting religious sentiments.
He also appealed to the youth to celebrate responsibly—avoiding drunk driving and refraining from forcibly applying colors. Traffic police units have been instructed to conduct special checking drives against hooliganism and stunt riding on public roads.
Taking lessons from recent incidents in places such as Muzaffarnagar, the DGP directed close coordination with the electricity department to ensure that Holika Dahan is not conducted beneath overhead power lines or near transformers. Fire brigade vehicles have also been stationed at key locations to respond swiftly to any emergency.
Rajeev Krishna urged citizens to immediately report any suspicious object or person by dialing ‘UP 112’. “The police are your friends and are deployed on the streets for your safety,” he said, reiterating that the primary objective of heightened vigilance is to ensure that the festival of colors is celebrated in an atmosphere of harmony, brotherhood and mutual respect.
