Kolkata: No permission would be granted for any new Muharram procession, said Kolkata Police as it issued a set of strict security and logistical guidelines ahead of Muharram on Friday.For the first time, Lalbazar clarified that only traditional Muharram processions, being taken out for many years, would be granted approval, subject to existing rules and regulatory permissions. “We have been told that a procession cannot be allowed if it does not have a police permission or without cops’ presence,” said an officer who attended a meeting on Wednesday on Muharram guidelines.Officers of the deputy commissioner (DC) rank recently held review meetings with local police stations to finalize the security blueprint. Like every year, use of weapons or any object resembling weapons will be completely prohibited and there will be a blanket ban on playing DJ music. In addition, the height of a ‘Tazia’ cannot be so high that it touches overhead wires. The move is to safeguard public infrastructure and prevent any accidental contact with electric wires and cables. The guidelines forbid the broadcast of any provocative, inflammatory, or sensitive messages from the processions. Senior officers confirmed special surveillance would be maintained in sensitive pockets. Additional police forces, complete with CCTV cover and drones, will keep a watch on the city.The primary objective of the directives was to maintain public peace, preserve communal harmony and ensure the smooth movement of vehicles on Muharram this Friday, said an officer.TPolice have also taken a tough stand against noise pollution. While organizers are allowed to use standard microphones, they must strictly adhere to the HC-prescribed noise limits. Officers at local police stations have been instructed to monitor sound outputs to ensure noise norms are not violated.To keep the city’s traffic moving, cops posted along the routes must ensure the marches do not halt at busy intersections.Local police stations will hold coordination meetings with organisers to finalise procession routes and logistical details. Thirteen major processions will traverse through the city, beginning with the Oudh Family (Dul Dul) from Khusruh Manzil. The Mughal procession will start from Portuguese Church Street and the Oudh Family procession from Sibtanabad Imambara will be another big procession.Several Alam processions are scheduled, including those from K C Sen Street, Samsul Huda Road, and Gobinda Banerjee Lane. The one from Harsi Street and North Sealdah Road will start early, while those from Nawab Ali Lane and Karaya Road will start at 1 pm and 2 pm. The final Alam procession will start from APC Road.Among the roads likely to be affected are Canning Street, Colootala Street, College Street, BB Ganguly Street, Lalbazar Street, Rabindra Sarani, N.S. Road, Kaizar Street, APC Road, Surjya Sen Street, DH Road, Burdwan Road, Strand Road, Canal Road, Kidderpore Road, Dufferin Road, and Casurina Avenue. Traffic restrictions will be implemented 30 minutes before each procession begins. Comprehensive road closures are likely to affect Garden Reach Road, Brabourne Road, and AJC Bose Road.
