Procession with arms on Vijaya Dashami won't be allowed: Mamata

Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday directed police administration that any attempt of 'shastra puja' or weapon worship by members of the saffron brigade on Dashami of Durga Puja, should be thwarted.

It may be mentioned that a certain group has proposed to display and worship weapons on Dashami.

Sources said that the Chief Minister has directed senior police officers that they should take all necessary steps to ensure that no untoward incident takes place during Durga Puja and other forthcoming festivals.

"Weapons look best in the hands of Durga. So ensure that there is no attempt of creating tension on Vijaya Dashami day through 'shastra puja' or any procession with arms," Mamata said on Monday at an administrative review meeting at Nabanna, the state Secretariat. Present at the meeting were Director General of Police Surajit Kar Purakayastha, Commissioner of Kolkata Police Rajeev Kumar, all the District Magistrates and District Superintendents.

She urged stringent measures if anyone was found attempting to disturb the peace that had always been the tradition of Bengal.

It may be recalled that there were attempts in the state to disturb the law and order situation. The state government had taken a series of steps and the police did not allow anyone to create unrest.

At the same time, the Chief Minister also directed all District Magistrates to take necessary steps so that no one could create trouble in the districts.

It is learnt that the police have started taking all necessary steps including holding meetings with local clubs and other authorities to maintain the law and order situation during Durga Puja.