In a bid to avert potential communal tensions during religious processions, the Bihar government, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has enacted stringent measures banning the use of weapons, including swords, spears, firearms, and sticks. Additionally, high-decibel public address systems and microphones have been prohibited to maintain public order.
The directive, communicated to all district magistrates and superintendents of police, emphasized the need to address instances where loud slogans and the display of weapons during religious processions led to serious law-and-order challenges. K.S. Anupam, Special Secretary of the Home Department and an IPS officer, underscored the potential for communal strife and the imperative to prevent such occurrences.
The order specifies that weapons are prohibited during religious processions under the Arms Act, with exceptions for specific circumstances, such as Sikh religious ceremonies permitting the carrying of kirpans (knives with curved blades). In cases where the use of weapons is deemed necessary, individuals must obtain permission from the administration, and an undertaking from participants will be required to uphold law and order.
Moreover, any sanctioned religious procession must adhere to strict conditions regarding the use of microphones and public address systems. Decibel levels will be monitored using mobile apps aligned with Supreme Court guidelines for various areas, ensuring that noise levels remain within permissible limits.
“We intend to facilitate religious processions without disturbing other residents and without fostering animosity,” stated Anupam, highlighting the commitment to ensuring communal harmony. The order, sought by the state police’s anti-terrorist squad, also mandates the recording and storage of photographs and videos from religious processions for a minimum of three months to aid in identifying and penalizing violators.
