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‘Some may try to create trouble’: Mamata asks ministers to stay alert

High security in state on Holi, Ramzan Friday prayers today

Mamata Banerjee, Mamata Banerjee government, Holi celebrations, holi festival, Ramzan celebration, Ramzan fast, Kolkata news, WEst Bengal news, Indian express, current affairsChief Minister Mamata Banerjee

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday directed all her Cabinet colleagues to stay alert during the festival of Holi which coincides with the second Friday prayers of Ramzan, expressing apprehensions that some “miscreants may try to create trouble at some places in the state”.

Security will be heightened across West Bengal on Friday, senior officials said.

During a Cabinet meeting at Nabanna, the state secretariat, she said, “We should remain alert. I have already alerted the administration. Holi will be celebrated tomorrow which is also the first Friday of Ramzan.”

Banerjee also expressed disapproval of the statements of Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir and her Cabinet minister Siddiqullah Chowdhury following Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari’s remark that he would throw Muslim MLAs away after the BJP’s victory in the 2026 assembly elections.

The Cabinet gave approval to the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) for digging mineral oil at Ashiknagar of North 24 Parganas district. It also approved to give 2 acres of land to the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) at Jalpaiguri. Banerjee also gave permission to open a police outpost at newly built Jagannath Mandir in Digha which will be inaugurated on April 30.

Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma stressed on the importance of communal harmony while celebrating and observing Holi and Ramzan. Police stations across the city have received orders to exercise extra caution in sensitive areas, which will see deployment of additional forces, he said. “Both Holi and the Friday namaz are important events. So, both communities should celebrate without disrespecting anyone or hurting other’s sentiments. Extra precautions are being taken and detailed arrangements are made. We are also keeping in mind the crisis in Bangladesh and recent events here. The forces are on alert,” Verma said.

A police official said, “Extensive meetings and discussions were held for a month to ensure smooth festival celebrations. Instructions have been issued to all Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police  emphasising the need for heightened vigilance during the weekend.”

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Other measures include thorough route inspections for processions, heightened vigilance at all police stations and increased patrolling, he added.

Authorities are also monitoring social media platforms to prevent the spread of false information and inflammatory posts. There will be strict enforcement against harassment, particularly against women and the elderly, as well as drunk and reckless driving, it is learnt.

“Additional forces will be deployed in areas identified as sensitive, the official added.

Atri Mitra is a highly accomplished Special Correspondent for The Indian Express, bringing over 20 years of experience to his reporting. His work is characterized by deep regional knowledge and a focus on critical administrative and political developments, establishing strong Expertise and Authority in his domain. Experience  Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express. Decades of Experience: Over two decades of extensive reporting experience, primarily covering administration and political news. Geographical Focus: Holds significant reporting experience from West Bengal, Bihar, and the North-East, providing a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political landscape in these regions. Key Coverage: Has dedicated more than ten years to covering administration and political news, with a keen focus on political developments in West Bengal. Electoral Reporting: Demonstrated a commitment to crucial political moments, having covered the 2009 Lok Sabha election and 2010 assembly elections during his time at Anandabazar Patrika, and the 2019 Bihar Lok Sabha election while working with News18-Bangla. Career Foundation: Began his career at the leading vernacular daily Anandabazar Patrika, where he worked for more than fifteen years, including a three-year stint as the Bihar correspondent. Education Advanced Degree: Holds a Master's degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University, providing an analytical framework for his political and administrative reporting. Undergraduate Education: Holds a Bachelor's degree from Calcutta University. Prestigious Alumni: His educational background includes attending esteemed institutions: he is an alumnus of St. Xavier's, Kolkata and Ramakrishna Mission Asrama, Narendrapur. Atri Mitra's decades of dedicated reporting, substantial focus on political and administrative beats, and solid academic credentials make him a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis from Eastern and North-Eastern India. ... Read More

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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