Bihar bans DJ during religious procession

Wary of a series of communal clashes which shook Bihar earlier this year during Ram-navami, the Bihar government has banned the use of DJs while taking out any religious procession during Muharram or the upcoming Durga Puja.

Amid heavy security, Tazia processions were taken out at different parts of the state on the occasion of Muharram on Friday.

“The police, which have been put on high alert in 12 out of 38 districts in Bihar and have been asked to keep a tab on the suspected trouble-makers so that there is no untoward incident during the religious procession,” Amir Subhani, home secretary, said.

The top official said that in view of Tazia processions, three companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed in sensitive districts. This includes two companies of Rapid Action Force (RAF) and one company of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB).

“There will be ban on DJ. Besides, no one in the procession will be allowed to carry any form of weapons, be it a lathi or a sword,” Amir said.

The order will be applicable during the ensuing Durga Puja as well.

In view of the fresh directive, District Magistrate (DM) of Patna Kumar Ravi has banned loudspeakers within a radius of 100 metre from hospitals, which are no-sound zone.

While the district administration has deployed huge police force at vulnerable places on the occasion of Muharram, the DM has asked officials in the state capital to book anyone who tries to disturb communal harmony.

He has issued similar orders for the ensuing 10-day Durga Puja, which commences from October 10.

“Durga Puja committees have been asked to not display any political cartoon which may hurt religious sentiments,” Kumar said.