
The Uttar Pradesh Police carried out a major route march in Sitapur on Sunday to maintain law and order ahead of the upcoming festivals of Holi and Ramadan. The march was led by Lucknow Range Inspector General of Police Kiran S. along with Sitapur District Magistrate Dr. Rajaganapathy R., as part of precautionary security measures across the district.
Officials said the march was organised to reassure residents, strengthen police visibility, and promote peaceful celebrations during the sensitive festive period. The exercise took place mainly in the Kajiyara locality, which falls under the jurisdiction of Kotwali Nagar police station.
Senior police and administrative officers walked through key market areas and residential pockets, interacting directly with local residents. During the march, they appealed to people from all communities to celebrate the festivals with mutual respect, cooperation, and brotherhood.
During the interaction with traders and religious leaders, officials stressed the importance of maintaining communal harmony. They urged citizens not to pay attention to rumours or misinformation that could disturb the peaceful atmosphere.
IG Kiran S. emphasised that the police administration is fully prepared to handle any situation and that adequate security arrangements are being put in place. He assured residents that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt peace during the festive period.
District Magistrate Dr. Rajaganapathy R. also appealed to community representatives to play a constructive role in maintaining calm. He encouraged local leaders to spread messages of unity and cooperation within their neighbourhoods.
Officials said such route marches help build confidence among the public and act as a preventive step against potential law and order problems. The visible presence of police personnel is intended to deter mischief-makers and ensure smooth celebrations.
The march was joined by Additional Superintendent of Police (North) Alok Singh, Additional Superintendent of Police and City Circle Officer Vinayak Bhosale, and several other officers of the Uttar Pradesh Police. A significant number of police personnel participated, moving through sensitive areas on foot and in vehicles.
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The route march comes as preparations intensify across Uttar Pradesh for Holi, which will be celebrated on March 4. Authorities across districts have been directed to remain on high alert to ensure the festival passes peacefully.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has already issued instructions to officials regarding festival readiness. He directed that salaries of all government employees be released before Holi so that families can celebrate the festival without financial stress.
In addition, the Chief Minister ordered that wages of outsourcing staff, contractual workers, and sanitation workers must also be cleared before the festival. According to officials, he warned against any negligence in implementing these directions.
Police sources said surveillance has been increased in sensitive areas of Sitapur and nearby districts. Quick response teams and additional patrol units have also been kept ready to respond to any emergency during the festive days.
Local residents who witnessed the route march said the visible police presence created a sense of reassurance. Many shopkeepers welcomed the administration’s outreach efforts and expressed hope that the festivals would pass peacefully.
Authorities have also advised citizens to follow traffic rules, avoid spreading unverified information on social media, and immediately report any suspicious activity to the police.
With Holi and Ramadan coinciding closely this year, the administration is taking extra precautions to maintain communal harmony. Officials believe that early engagement with community leaders and visible policing will help ensure a smooth festive season.
The Sitapur administration has indicated that similar confidence-building measures may continue in the coming days. For now, the message from authorities is clear: celebrate with joy, but maintain peace and mutual respect.
As preparations continue, both the police and district administration say they remain fully alert to ensure that residents of Sitapur can observe their festivals safely and without disruption.