After working tirelessly to ensure a peaceful Holi celebration across the district, police personnel in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal took time on Sunday to enjoy the festivities themselves.
Security forces had been on duty for long hours on March 13 and 14, working shifts of 14 to 16 hours to maintain law and order and ensure that the festival passed without incident. Superintendent of Police (SP) KK Bishnoi and Circle Officer (CO) Anuj Chaudhary, along with other police personnel, played with colours and danced as they celebrated Holi.
District Magistrate Rajendra Pensia commended their efforts, stating, “In the last 15 days, police and administration made all necessary preparations. On March 13-14, all our personnel worked almost 14-16 hours a day, and the festival was celebrated peacefully.” He added that their dedication paid off, and their Holi celebration within the police lines was a well-deserved tradition.
SP KK Bishnoi echoed this sentiment, saying, “Police are celebrating Holi in the district today. Everyone is celebrating as their hard work ensured a peaceful festival for all.”
Holi, the festival of colours, is one of India’s most widely celebrated festivals. Given the large gatherings and processions associated with it, security was tightened across the state. Forces were deployed to prevent any untoward incidents, and with law and order successfully maintained, the police personnel gathered in a relaxed environment to mark the occasion.
In addition to Holi celebrations, Friday prayers for the second Jumma of the holy month of Ramadan were also performed peacefully at the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal.
Sambhal Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Vandana Mishra praised the community’s cooperation, stating, “Both Holi and Jumma namaz were celebrated peacefully. The processions were carried out with mutual respect and harmony, sending a message of peace from Sambhal.”
To ensure safety, a flag march was conducted by Circle Officer Anuj Chowdhary and other police personnel, along with paramilitary forces. The administration also used drone surveillance for monitoring the district.
This heightened security comes after Sambhal witnessed incidents of violence in November last year. However, with coordinated efforts from law enforcement and local authorities, this year’s Holi and Jumma celebrations remained peaceful.
