Prayagraj: Cops on Wednesday intensified security arrangements for Bakrid, to be celebrated on Thursday and divided city areas six zones and 17 sectors with the objective of maintaining peace during the festival.As namaz (prayers) is scheduled to be offered at around 400 mosques and Idgahs in city limits, cops on Wednesday claimed to have held peace commitees meetings at all 17 police stations in city and appealed that no namaz will be held on public streets and roads.The kurbani (sacrifice) of prohibited animals will also not be allowed.DCP ( City) Maneesh Kumar Shandilya told TOI that cops are maintaining a strict watch on social media platforms and a strict vigilance is also being maintained in view of the bakrid festival across the city.Police forces are being deployed at all mosques and Idgahs. The cops have roped in drones to maintain a strict eye across the city particularly old city areas and are also coordinating with other govt departments like power, PMC, Jal Sansthan, etc to ensure peaceful festivities.Senior cops on Wednesday reviewed security arrangements for old city areas and intensified vigilance in mixed populated areas.DCP, meanwhile, said, “Security arrangements are in place at all static locations and additional forces have also been deployed in mixed populated areas. Cops are conducting foot marches in vulnerable and hotspot areas, and a close watch is being maintained.”On the directives of top police officials, the cops implemented a multi-layered strategy aimed at ensuring public order, and maintaining religious harmony. Key focus areas include enhanced patrolling, community outreach, a crackdown on banned prohibited animal sacrifices, and real-time social media monitoring. Authorities have also identified several sensitive spots across district and deployed adequate forces. Foot patrols were intensified, while UP-112 emergency response vehicles were rerouted and briefed for rapid deployment.Strict surveillance is also underway to counter rumour-mongering and inflammatory content on social media, with legal action promised against those spreading communal hatred.Meanwhile, city markets, including Chowk, Bahadurganj, Johnstonganj Crossing, Ghanta Ghar, Kareli, Sulemsarai, and adjoining areas, witnessed a heavy flow of shoppers a day ahead of the festival. A rush was also noticed at the prime goat market in old city with people seen making their last-minute purchases.
