New DJ rules, rally curbs help maintain peace during festivals in Rajasthan

JAIPUR: The new rules for processions and rallies and the curbs on DJs have helped Rajasthan prevent the recurrence of communal clashes that singed many of its cities during various religious festivals last year. While several states reported violence on Ram Navami, Rajasthan remained peaceful.
Organisers of processions during the recent Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti in districts such as Bundi were asked to hire traditional instrument players, bands, and folk artistes in place of DJs.
“Several social organisations took a voluntary decision to junk the use of DJs. Even if DJ is used in processions, police officials keep a close watch,” said ADG (intelligence) S Sengathir.
Strict action was taken against over 2,000 miscreants under relevant laws, including Section 108 of CrpC (security for good behaviour), said Sengathir. Widespread communal tensions were reported in various districts, including Karauli and Jodhpur, last year. The change in norms for rallies was effected to avoid a rerun of such tensions this year. ,” said Sengathir.