Hyderabad: Police on High Alert for Ganesh and Milad-un-Nabi Festivals
With the festivals of Ganesh and Milad-un-Nabi coinciding for the second year in a row, Hyderabad police are on high alert. Security has been increased across the city to ensure both celebrations go smoothly. Meetings have been held between police and festival organizers from both communities to discuss necessary facilities and restrictions, aiming to avoid any communal tension and monitor potential troublemakers.
Hyderabad City Police Commissioner Kothakota Sreenivasa Reddy conducted a meeting with officers, including those from Law & Order and Traffic Police. He emphasized the need for a tight vigil in their respective areas until the festivals conclude peacefully. The commissioner also called for the cooperation of peace committee members to help maintain a peaceful atmosphere in the city.
This year, Ganesh Chaturthi will begin on September 7, with the Ganesh immersion scheduled for September 17. Meanwhile, the Islamic month of Rabi-ul-Awwal, starting on September 5, marks the birth month of Prophet Mohammed, and Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi will be observed on September 16.
Hyderabad is known for its ‘Ganga-Jamuna Tehzeeb,’ symbolizing mutual respect and unity between Muslims and non-Muslims. To uphold this tradition, the Muslim community has decided to celebrate Milad indoors on September 16 and will hold the Milad procession on September 19, as a gesture to foster communal harmony.
DCPs in various zones have been meeting with festival organizers from both communities to discuss security measures and address any challenges. Police are advising that CCTV cameras be installed in temporary festival mandaps until the end of the celebrations.
Police have also urged both communities to cooperate and celebrate peacefully. South zone DCP Sneha Mehra held a coordination meeting with the Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Committee and other officials in the Old City. She advised that volunteers should be present at Ganesh mandaps throughout the day and night, and suggested organizing queues for devotees.
The Bhagyanagar Ganesh Utsav Samithi announced that 1.4 lakh Ganesh idols will be installed in the city this year. In addition, the Markazi Milad Juloos Committee has sought permission from the Hyderabad City Police Commissioner to hold the Milad procession on September 19.
