Don't play loud music: Cops to kanwariyas

CHANDIGARH: The Haryana Police have issued an advisory to kanwariyas (devotees of lord Shiva) not to play loud devotional music or take along DJs during their pilgrimage to maintain law and order. Lakhs of kanwariyas travel on various routes connecting Haryana's towns with Uttarakhand.
The devotees have also been cautioned against intake of intoxicants and drugs and carrying weapons like swords and 'trishuls'.Haryana DGP K P Singh and ADGP (law and order) Mohammd Akil and inspector generals of police (IGs) of concerned ranges are examining the routes and arrangements made by local authorities and NGOs, who have set up community kitchens enroute to Haridwar and Neelkanth in Uttarakhand.
Kanwariyas have left for Haridwar and are expected to return by August 1 on the occasion of Shravana Shivaratri. Even kanwariyas from Rajsthan pass through Hayana via Karnal, Panipat and Rohtak to go to Uttarakhand.
According to information, keeping in view the temperament of devotees and incidents of the past, the police have issued the advisory. "We would be acting as facilitators for them. At the same time, we are trying to make the devotees understand the implications of a few things which are ignored by them," said ADGP Akil.
For the first time, police have made the arrangement for ambulances on the roads leading to Uttarakhand and display boards have been set up at entry points and check posts across Haryana.
In Gurgaon, around 15 patrolling parties, PCR vans and riders will monitor the stretch during the kanwar yatra. Also, 10 check posts have been set up in the city. Reserve force has been deployed in Gurgaon to deal with any riot-like situation. Police have asked commuters to keep speed limit between 30-40 kmph, whenever they drive near kanwariyas, to ensure there are no mishaps. Kanwariyas have also been asked to use the left side of roads alone.