Gujarat: Muharram observed peacefully under tight security
Gandhinagar, June 26
Muharram was observed peacefully across Gujarat on Friday, with large gatherings reported in Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara, Rajkot and several other districts, as traditional Tazia processions were held under tight security.
In Ahmedabad, processions passed through designated routes in the old city amid heavy police deployment and traffic diversions.
Authorities implemented barricading at sensitive junctions, while surveillance was strengthened using CCTV systems and drone monitoring to ensure crowd management and route discipline.
Surat witnessed organised processions beginning from approved localities, with organisers strictly adhering to guidelines on route movement and Tazia specifications.
More than 7,000 security personnel have been deployed across the city, while drones and CCTV cameras are being used to closely monitor every movement.
Vadodara and Rajkot also reported peaceful processions, with additional police deployed in sensitive pockets and major intersections to manage gatherings and ensure the smooth passage of religious activities.
Senior officers supervised arrangements on the ground. Statewide, Gujarat Police had activated a comprehensive security plan ahead of Muharram.
According to official inputs, 919 sensitive locations across the state were identified for heightened surveillance, risk assessment and preventive policing measures.
A high-level review meeting was held earlier this week at Police Bhavan, chaired by the Director General of Police (DGP), G.S. Malik, with all Police Commissioners, Range Heads, and District Superintendents joining virtually to review preparedness.
During the meeting, officers were directed to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance patrolling in sensitive areas, and ensure coordinated deployment along procession routes.
The DGP instructed district units to conduct risk assessments in localities with past incidents during Muharram and to maintain real-time monitoring through technological support.
Security arrangements included deployment of State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) units, local police, and rapid response teams at strategic points.
Officials said the coordinated policing model, combined with cooperation from organisers and community representatives, ensured that Muharram processions across Gujarat concluded peacefully without any major incident.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Peaceful observance of Muharram shows the secular fabric of Gujarat. But I hope the same level of security and surveillance is applied to all religious events equally. Just a thought.
Drones and CCTV monitoring is impressive. Modern tech used for traditional processions. Hope other states learn from Gujarat's policing model. 7,000 personnel deployed is massive.
I appreciate the police for maintaining law and order without any incident. But I wish authorities would also focus on reducing the heavy security presence in future. A more organic celebration would be ideal. Still, well done this time.
From Surat here. The processions were very organised. Organisers followed all rules and police were cooperative. But why do we need 7,000 personnel for a peaceful event? Seems like overkill. Still, no complaints if it ensures safety.
Happy to read this. Gujarat has always set an example for communal harmony. The police deserve credit for their meticulous planning. DGP Malik's review meeting must have helped a lot. Well done, team! 👏
While I'm glad it was peaceful, but spending so much on security for religious events is concerning. We need to address root causes of tensions rather than just deploying forces every time
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