• Source:JND
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A DAY ahead of Hanuman Jayanti, the Calcutta High Court on Wednesday directed West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee-led government to seek central forces from the Centre for assisting the state police in maintaining peace during the festival celebrations.

In light of recent acts of communal violence, the order from High Court came to reassure the public that they are safe and won't be disturbed.

A division bench chaired by Acting Chief Justice T S Sivagnanam, who noted that prevention is better than cure, directed the government to requisition central forces to avoid any breach of peace when Hanuman Jayanti rallies are taken out on Thursday.

The court further ordered the Centre to quickly undertake preparations for such deployment upon receiving a request from the state.

Last week, during and after the Ram Navami processions, clashes between two groups had taken place at several places in the Howrah and Hooghly districts of West Bengal. The recent violence was reported from Rishra town from Hooghly.

Amid heavy deployment of Police forces in violence-hit Rishra, the internet services remained suspended on Wednesday. A decision on withdrawing prohibitory orders and removal of the suspension of internet services in the area will be taken late in the day after evaluation of the situation, the police said. 

Apart from West Bengal, communal violence was reported from other parts of the country as well. In Bihar, clashes between two groups took place in Sasaram in Rohtas district and Bihar Sharif in Nalanda district. Following the Ram Navami violence, mobile internet services have also been suspended in the two districts.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued an advisory to all states in preparation for Hanuman Jayanti. The state governments have been asked to ensure the maintenance of law and order, and peaceful observance of the festival.

MHA also directed governments to monitor any factors that could disturb communal harmony in society.