Jaipur, June 26 (IANS) Jaipur has been placed on high alert ahead of Muharram processions, with the city police and district administration rolling out an extensive security and traffic management plan to ensure peaceful observance of Yaum-e-Ashura.

Around 3,000 police personnel, along with Quick Response Teams (QRTs), Emergency Response Teams (ERTs), Intelligence units and cyber monitoring teams, have been deployed across the city.

Authorities have imposed traffic restrictions across the Walled City, banned the entry of heavy vehicles at major city entry points, and announced strict surveillance through drones, CCTV cameras and the Abhay Command Centre.

Entry of all vehicles into the Walled City will remain restricted from key access points including Sanjay Circle, Ajmeri Gate, New Gate, Sanganeri Gate, Ghat Gate, Galta Gate and Ramgarh Mod.

Traffic from adjoining areas will be diverted through alternate routes. Heavy commercial vehicles will not be allowed to enter the city through Road No. 14 (VKI), Kalwar Pulia, Sirsi Pulia, 200-Feet Ajmer Road, and others.

Parking will remain completely prohibited along major markets and procession routes, including Chaura Rasta, Badi Chaupar, Johari Bazaar, Bapu Bazaar, Hawa Mahal Bazaar, Subhash Chowk, Ramganj Bazaar, Chandpole Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar, Gangauri Bazaar, MI Road, MD Road, Gopinath Marg, Kishanpole Bazaar and Indira Bazaar.

Following the traditional Qatl Ki Raat observance, around 250 to 300 Tazias from different parts of Jaipur will assemble at Badi Chaupar before proceeding towards Karbala via Hawa Mahal Bazaar, Chandi Ki Taksal, Subhash Chowk, Zorawar Singh Gate and Ramgarh Mod. Traffic diversions will remain in force from the Friday afternoon until late night along the procession route.

Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Rajeev Pachar said the entire event will be monitored through drones, citywide CCTV cameras and the Abhay Command Centre. Plain-clothes personnel have also been deployed to keep watch on suspicious activities, while additional police forces will remain stationed at sensitive locations. The Cyber Cell will maintain round-the-clock surveillance on social media platforms, and strict action will be taken against anyone found spreading rumours or provocative content that could disturb communal harmony.

The district administration has held coordination meetings with the Peace Committee and Community Liaison Group (CLG) members and directed that only licenced Tazias will be permitted in the processions. Departments concerned have also been instructed to ensure uninterrupted electricity, drinking water and civic arrangements along the procession routes.

As a precautionary measure, the administration has cancelled the licences of 17 Tazias identified on sensitive routes to maintain law and order during Muharram.

The Jaipur Traffic Police has appealed to citizens to avoid restricted routes, follow traffic diversions and cooperate with security personnel to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of Muharram processions across the city.

–IANS

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