Security beefed up at garba venues in Bhopal

Garba organisers in Bhopal have hardly paid any heed to BJP leaders’ diktat to see the identity cards of participants in the programme and not allow Muslims into the pandal.

Garba organisers in Bhopal have hardly paid any heed to BJP leaders’ diktat to see the identity cards of participants in the programme and not allow Muslims into the pandal.

However, given the possibility of violence at the garba venues in case right wing activists forcefully execute their diktat, security has been stepped up at the venue of garba programmes this time. The organisers are installing closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) at the venue as well.

Security agencies have been hired for strengthening the security arrangements. Not only private security guards would be present in large number outside the garba pandals, but police personnel would also be around. Garba organisers have contacted nearest police stations to provide security at the garba festivals.

"Around 200 Gujarati families participate in our garba programme every year. The participants of the programme are of our community only. The spectators during the programme are outsiders but they are far less in numbers. To avoid any nuisance or clashes during the programme, we have asked TT Nagar police station to provide some policemen for security," said Bhupendra, organiser of Gujarati community garba programme.

Like every year, all the garba organisers have introduced coupons and pass system. Those who will have coupons or passes would be allowed to enter the venue.

Public relations officer (PRO), Peoples’ Group, Mamta Mathur said their garba programme is being organised at Old Campion School ground.

"The security guards of our group will be present at the venue, but keeping in view the possibility of clashes, we have hired a security agency," she added. Besides, entry of only those who have invitations and coupons would be allowed.