Holi peace panel meet turns a mere formality

Hubballi: The peace committee meeting organised by the Hubballi-Dharwad City Police Comissionerate here old CAR Ground on Monday ahead of Holi festival, was a low key affair, unlike last year. A majority of political leaders, ward committee members and religious leader gave a miss to the event owing to the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha elections.
The number of invitees was also low and so was the energy level among participants and organisers. The meeting was held as a mere formality.

Addressing the gathering, police commissioner M N Nagaraj said Hubballi was once known as a communally sensitive city but the scenario has changed. “The city has earned a name as a peaceful city. But some anti-social elements always try to create disturbance during festivals. Police will take strict action against such elements. We have already made all the necessary arrangements and security has been beefed up in communally sensitive areas,” he said. He assured people that police would give complete security during Holi.

The five-day Holi celebrations will begin in the twin city on March 21 and ends on March 25. Some participants raised the concern over SSLC examinations which will be held during the festival. They requested police to check the use of high decibel sound systems during celebrations as it would disturb students.

Some requested the commissioner to make special arrangements for SSLC students who would take the exam on March 25 as the city will be celebrating Holi on that day. One of the participants requested that the Water Board supply water to each ward on Holi.

Deputy commissioners of police Nagesh D L and Shivakumar Gunare and others were present at the meeting.