Seers attending Magh Mela seek security from police

Prayagraj: As many as 93 saints and seers have sought police protection for themselves and their camps from the Magh Mela authorities during the 44-day annual religious event set to begin from January 6, 2023 on the banks of Sangam.
Their applications have been received at the Magh Mela office and are being forwarded to senior police officials for assessment and necessary action.
According to Magh Mela Adhikari, vice chairman of Prayagraj Development Authority (PDA) Arvind Chauhan, 13 police stations are being set up in the tent city coming up for the annual fair for the security of the mela area as well as seers and pilgrims.
“From here, security will be provided to the seers camping in the mela area. The applications that are coming will be forwarded to these police stations and security arrangements would be extended from there. Outside security is not allowed in the fair area,” he said.
Most of the seers coming to the fair have got personal protection from the Uttarakhand government. As per rules, outside private security is not allowed in the Mela area. All the saints who come are given security in Prayagraj by the local police itself. Applications for this have to be made in advance, he said.
These days, along with application for facility slips, security are also being submitted in large numbers by saints and seers at the Prayagraj Mela Authority office. Among them are saints from Dandi Bada, Acharya Bada, Khak Chowk and others.
Officials said along with gunners, most have demanded four to six policemen to oversee security in their camps during the fair and crowd management.