CM Hemant Soren Reviews Law & Order Ahead of Festivals, Issues Strict Guidelines for Peaceful Celebrations

Ranchi, March 2026 : Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren chaired a high-level review meeting to assess law and order preparedness in the state ahead of major festivals including Eid, Sarhul, and Ram Navami. The meeting, held via video conferencing from the Chief Minister’s residence office, saw participation from Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendents of Police/Superintendents of Police from all districts. Senior state officials were also present during the review.

The Chief Minister emphasized that all upcoming festivals must be conducted in a peaceful and harmonious atmosphere, with full coordination between communities and strict vigilance by the administration. He issued clear instructions that any attempt to disturb law and order will be dealt with firmly and immediately. “There should be zero tolerance towards those trying to create unrest in the name of festivals,” he said, directing police and administrative authorities to remain on high alert round the clock.

Highlighting the importance of preparedness, Soren instructed district administrations to ensure adequate deployment of police forces across sensitive and high-footfall areas. He also called for strengthening intelligence networks by involving informers so that real-time information about any suspicious activity reaches authorities without delay. He stressed that preventive action is key to maintaining peace.

The Chief Minister noted that apart from Eid, Sarhul, and Ram Navami, other festivals such as Hanuman Jayanti and Mahavir Jayanti are also observed during this period. Therefore, security arrangements must remain robust and continuous until all celebrations conclude. He directed officials to ensure that personnel deployed on duty remain alert and responsive at all times.

Special emphasis was placed on securing sensitive areas and religious sites. The Chief Minister instructed that these locations must be under strict surveillance to prevent any untoward incidents. District officials were also advised to work in close coordination with community leaders to foster cooperation and maintain communal harmony.

Focusing on crowd management, Soren directed authorities to closely monitor procession routes and crowded areas. He asked for physical verification of all procession routes in advance to identify potential risks and ensure necessary arrangements are in place. Adequate security equipment and personnel must be deployed along these routes.

The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of proper documentation of all activities during processions and events. He said that maintaining detailed records and video documentation will help authorities in planning better strategies for future events and improve overall security management.

Addressing the role of digital platforms, Soren directed officials to keep strict vigil on social media. He warned that anti-social elements often attempt to spread rumours or incite tensions during festivals. Immediate action must be taken against those spreading misinformation or provocative content online.

Ensuring the safety of women and children was highlighted as a key priority. The Chief Minister said that large numbers of women and children participate in festival processions, and special arrangements must be made for their safety and convenience. Emergency response mechanisms should be in place to handle any unforeseen incidents swiftly.

He also instructed officials to create designated “safe zones” along procession routes. These zones will serve as secure areas where people can be evacuated in case of emergencies. Adequate arrangements, including medical assistance and crowd control measures, must be ensured in these zones.

In addition, Soren directed that uninterrupted electricity supply and public announcement systems be maintained during processions. He specifically instructed that no provocative or inflammatory songs should be played during processions, and district administrations must coordinate with organizers to ensure compliance. Pre-approved recorded music should be used to avoid any controversy.

To enhance surveillance, the Chief Minister called for the installation of CCTV cameras at sensitive points and along procession routes. He also recommended the use of drone-based aerial monitoring to keep a close watch on large gatherings. Emergency services such as fire brigades, ambulances, riot control vehicles, and water cannons must be kept ready for immediate deployment if needed.

He further instructed authorities to ensure compliance with court guidelines, including restrictions on the size and height of flags used in processions.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister reviewed preparedness reports from all districts and directed officials to resolve any issues promptly. He reiterated that no one should be allowed to disrupt peace under any circumstances and urged the administration to work with full coordination and sensitivity.

Senior officials, including Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Vandana Dadel, Director General of Police Anuradha Mishra, and other top police and administrative officers, were present during the meeting.

The Chief Minister concluded by urging all stakeholders to work collectively to ensure that the festivals are celebrated in a peaceful, secure, and harmonious environment across Jharkhand.