Curfew relaxed for 4 hours on Janmashtami in Jalandhar

Jalandhar: Even though the state government has imposed night curfew in Jalandhar from 9 pm to 5 am, the district administration chose to give some relaxation to devotees on the occasion of Janmashtami. The civil and police administration has announced relaxation of curfew for some hours on the intervening night of August 12 and 13 from 9 pm to 1 am, so that devotees can go to temples and offer prayers. Commissioner of Police Gurpreet Singh Bhullar said the relaxation would be for one night only. He has appealed to people to avoid congestion and crowd while offering prayers and strictly adhere to Covid-19 protocols. He instructed that not more than 20 people would be allowed to assemble in a temple at one time and all must wear masks, maintain social distancing, meticulously sanitise their hands and avoid touching face, eyes and nose.

He said there are around 207 temples in the jurisdiction of Jalandhar Commissionerate, for which elaborate security arrangements have been made in the wake of the celebrations. He said around 1,000 cops have been deployed to keep a strict vigil in the wake of Janamashtami celebrations. He said CCTV cameras have been installed at all temples for keeping a regular check in and around temples. He said round the clock vigil was being kept in the city, for which various patrolling parties were set up. Likewise, he said senior officers were instructed to conduct inspection in the city to maintain law and order situation. Meanwhile, the top cop, along with other officers, visited Maha Laxmi Temple and gave directions to officials for smooth celebrations. ADCP Vatsala Gupta, ACPs Satinder Chadha, Harsimrat Singh and others were present on the occasion. TNS