Large congregations for the 10th of Muharram were observed across Lucknow, Sambhal, Moradabad and adjoining districts, coinciding with the peak of the ongoing Kanwar Yatra. Authorities have mobilised thousands of police personnel, installed over 13,000 CCTV cameras, and pressed drones into service to keep an eye on the situation.
District Magistrate of Sambhal, Rajender Pensiya, said multiple layers of dialogue and coordination had taken place in the run-up to the events. “We have held various peace committee meetings at the village, neighbourhood and district levels. In these discussions, people from all sides were invited. All communities were called, and their issues related to electricity, water and other problems were addressed... Clear instructions have been given to inform us if any issues arise,” Pensiya said.
Box-format policing has been introduced for processions. “We have appointed magistrates at every location, accompanied by police officers. Any procession, whether for Kanwar Yatra or Muharram, will be conducted in a box format, with our officers stationed on all four sides. Continuous monitoring is also being carried out through drones,” he added.
The administration has also moved to identify and pre-empt mischief-makers. “Action is underway to ban more than 900 persons. Section 163 is in effect. We are confident that everything will be conducted peacefully,” the district head noted.
Lucknow’s western precincts, particularly Old Lucknow, are under a heightened watch. Vishwajeet Srivastava, DCP of Lucknow West, stated, “During Muharram, Lucknow's western zone, also called Old Lucknow, remains highly sensitive. There is always a zonal sector system 24/7 here. Separate arrangements are made for the processions held in this area.”
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Elaborating on the protocol, Srivastava said, “The first [security layer] moves with the procession in a box formation, the second handles route arrangements, and the third is stationed at key locations. CCTV cameras have been installed at 82 locations. Volunteers from the Civil Defence Organisation are also present. Three types of drones have been deployed. Our social media team is fully active, and we are in constant communication with religious leaders.”
In Moradabad, a city with a long history of communal sensitivities, preventive vigilance has taken precedence. District Magistrate Anuj Kumar Singh said the administration had convened a peace meeting with community leaders. “We are preparing for the Kanwar route. The road situation is good this time. We inspected it yesterday, and PWD and municipal bodies are working to resolve the remaining issues,” he said.
Regarding specific directives, Singh added, “Cameras are being installed on the Kanwar Yatra route... Additionally, we have identified individuals who played negative roles during past events, and efforts are underway to ban them to maintain peace... DJs are also instructed to control their volume.”
While the convergence of Muharram and the Kanwar Yatra has raised the risk profile for law enforcement, authorities have projected confidence in their layered approach and proactive outreach. Officials have emphasised that peaceful conduct of both processions is not just a matter of security but a reflection of communal harmony and responsible citizenry.
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